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January 27, 2012

UKCBD Updates: An Update…

Posted by Phil Groom under Announcements, Christian Bookshops, Info | Tags: , |
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UK Christian Bookshops Directory: Discover your local Christian bookshop!

UK Christian Bookshops Directory

THANK YOU to everyone who has sent in bookshop updates over the last few weeks: this post is simply to confirm that those updates are in progress. As with any voluntary project, however, these things take time: depending upon other commitments (such as church, family and earning a crust to keep the wolves from the door), you’ll sometimes see updates appearing almost instantly whilst on other occasions it may take anything from a few days to several weeks.

Please remember that you can keep track of the latest updates either via the UKCBD homepage or here, via the Latest Updates page; and please also remember that you can leave comments or update requests directly on any standalone entry or on any other page of the Directory.

Bookshop closures are usually reported in the News posts (and tagged Bookshop Closure), on facebook or via twitter (either via my personal stream or the official UKCBD stream) as they are brought to my attention, but Directory updates will often lag behind somewhat, as much as anything because I find making those changes thoroughly disheartening.

Last but not least, please do keep those updates coming in: thank you.

 

March 30, 2011

Living Oasis Harrow: Message to Churches: Please pray…

Posted by Phil Groom under Christian Bookshops, Info | Tags: , , , , |
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IN MY LAST REPORT I mentioned that local church leaders had been notified of the closure of Living Oasis Harrow by email. This is that message, now also posted on facebook:

We’re Closing

Dear Friends

It is with heartfelt regret that I need to inform you that the Harrow branch of Living Oasis is closing. Our last trading day will be Saturday 2nd April. Please find attached a poster to display on your Church noticeboard.

We believe that the Lord had a purpose and a vision for the shop and we have tried to take this forward but, unfortunately, the number of customers coming through the doors since the closure of Wesley Owen has halved and there is simply not enough trade for us to be able to continue.

I know of at least 13 Christian bookshops that have closed since the beginning of the year. The Harrow branch is the 8th Living Oasis shop to close. Please pray for the future of Christian bookshops and the ministry they provide and, also, for the staff here as we begin to seek the Lord for our futures and try to secure new jobs. Please also remember our loyal volunteers who have given their time and talents to support this work.

We are very thankful for the support you have given us during a difficult time.

Blessings

Pauline

Pauline Banks, Manager
Moira Hornik, Senior Sales Assistant

 

December 23, 2010

Good News for Christian Retailers and Consumers as STL UK and Suppliers collaborate to absorb January’s VAT increase

Posted by Phil Groom under Christian Suppliers, Info, News, STL | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , |
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STL UK: VAT increase – January 4th 2011

STL UK: VAT increase – January 4th 2011

STL UK HAVE ANNOUNCED that following consultations with their suppliers, “in the main” they will be absorbing January’s VAT increase by adjusting ex-VAT prices to keep VAT-inclusive prices for end consumers the same. Vatable items such as CDs, for instance, currently retailing at £14.99 will continue to retail at £14.99 by means of a behind-the-scenes adjustment resetting the ex-VAT price to £12.49:

  • Current: ex-VAT price £12.76 + 17.5% VAT = £14.99
  • After 4th Jan 2011: ex-VAT price £12.49 + 20% VAT = £14.99

To make the adjustment on their own systems, STL’s computers will be temporarily taken down on New Year’s Day and customers are advised against placing online orders “from 4pm on 31st December until 9am on 3rd of January.” Any queries should be addressed to STL’s Customer Services department.

Printed books, of course, remain zero-rated for VAT. Retailers will still need to make the appropriate adjustments in their own accounting and VAT returns to HM Revenues & Customs.

 

July 27, 2010

7/7: Muslim Perspectives

Posted by Phil Groom under Book News, Info | Tags: , , |
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7/7: Muslim Perspectives

7/7: Muslim Perspectives: introductory flyer (pdf, 795kb)

My thanks to Hasan Ahmed of Rabita publishing for kindly providing me with a downloadable copy (pdf, 795kb) of their flyer introducing  7/7: Muslim Perspectives, published earlier this month to coincide with the 5th anniversary of the 2005 London bombings.

Whatever your view of Islam, one thing we as Christians cannot afford to do is to ignore our Muslim brothers and sisters, and nor must we fall into the fool’s trap of stereotyping all Muslims as the same: there are as many different perspectives within the Islamic community as there are in our own. This is a book that opens the door to dialogue and a better understanding between our two faiths and shows very clearly that Islam is not the enemy that some wish to portray it as.

From the book’s official facebook page:

This book explores and articulates insights, reactions and experiences of a wide range of Muslim men and women following the events of 7/7 – their feelings, anxieties and concerns. Also how they negotiated their own position with mainstream society and with each other in the aftermath. They reflect on the event and express their personal response, serving as a starting point for an exploration of the challenges and expectations which the future holds for them.

As the contributors come from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds, and a wide variety of spiritual practices, this project offers a rich mosaic of lived experience, subjective accounts of people’s hopes, worries and fears. In doing so, it offers a deeper meaning and understanding of Muslim lives in this country. It serves equally to put into perspective Islamic extremist ideologies in fringe groups.

The book offers a compelling range of testimony to those with an interest in the lives of Muslims – students, journalists, politicians, policy makers, academics etc. The benefits of this book are that it gives a voice to Muslims who are rarely heard, and an opportunity to disseminate those voices in such a way as to promote cross-cultural bonds and amity.

Bibliographic Info

7/7: Muslim Perspectives
Murtaza Shibli (Editor)
Rabita Publishing, 2010
9780956596703
200pp., £14.99

Available to trade customers from Gardners, standard trade terms.

 

July 15, 2010

Day of Prayer, 3rd Sept 2010

Posted by Phil Groom under Announcements, Info | Tags: , |
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Praying HandsANOTHER Day of Prayer has been called for across the Christian retail trade, date agreed Friday 3rd September 2010 as announced at the Retailers and Suppliers Retreat held in May.

As with the last two Days of Prayer, the Day of Prayer page here will be updated nearer the time and available for specific prayer requests and notices to be posted. The focus of the day is intended to be on local issues, providing an ideal opportunity to liaise with local churches for mutual support.

As noted in Christian Marketplace, details of proposed meetings may also be posted via the Christian Authors, Booksellers and Publishers facebook group, but please note that is a private group: information posted there will not be available to non-members.

 

May 11, 2010

Retailers’ Day at CRE Sandown

Posted by Phil Groom under Info | Tags: , |
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Sadly I can’t abandon shop at LST to be there myself, but for those who are able to attend, today’s Retailers Day at CRE, Sandown Park, looks set to be a worthy follow on to last week’s Retailers and Suppliers Retreat. Phil Vischer, creator of Veggie Tales, takes to the Tingle Creek stage at 1.15pm as keynote speaker to introduce his new project, What’s in the Bible? 

Here’s the schedule for the day:

10.00 – 11.00: Registration and complimentary coffee / tea
10.00 – 12.30: Meet the suppliers
10.15 – 12.00: Author signings (running in conjunction with meet the suppliers)
12.30 – 13.15: Retailers & suppliers reception lunch (advance bookings only)
13.15 – 14.00: Keynote address – Phil Vischer, Creator of Veggie Tales and the new DVD series for kids & families What’s In the Bible?
14.00 – 14.30: Biblefresh – presentation by the Biblefresh team
14.30 – 16.30: Meet the suppliers

Once again we are indebted to Steve Briars and the rest of the Christian Resources Together team for organising the day.

 

April 6, 2010

Job Opportunities in London, Skipton and Durham

Posted by Phil Groom under Announcements, Info | Tags: , , , , , |
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You wait for ever and then three come along at once. I’ll probably post these on the Jobs page as well but figured with three vacancies springing up more or less together, they deserved to hold the front page for a day or so.

1. Cornerstone Bookshop, North Finchley, are looking for a new manager:

Do you have a passion for Christian books?

Cornerstone Christian bookshop in North Finchley seeks an experienced bookshop manager. Cornerstone, a registered charity (281838), has been providing Christian books to the North London community for over 21 years. With an annual turnover of around £300,000, this exciting opportunity would suit someone who enjoys networking with local churches and other Christian groups. A loyal customer base will support the successful applicant in taking Cornerstone forward.

The successful candidate will offer:

  • Experience of running a bookshop, including buying, in a fast moving environment
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
  • Natural leadership and the ability to motivate the team
  • An in depth knowledge of the product and marketplace
  • Tenacity to make things happen

c£18,000 – £20,000 + bonus

To apply for the role of Store Manager, please simply send your CV and a covering letter to be received by 10th April 2010. Deadline extended to 17th April 2010.

Address: 45-51 Woodhouse Road, North Finchley, London N12 9ET
or e-mail: info AT cornerstone.co.uk

2. Cornerstone Christian Books & Crafts, Skipton, are in need of a manager and an assistant manager:

CORNERSTONE CHRISTIAN BOOKS & CRAFTS
17 Newmarket Street Skipton BD23 2HX

seeks a full time manager and part time assistant manager

Starting salary c£16000 and £9000 respectively depending on age and experience

For further information please contact the above address or

phone: 01756 793673 or
email: cornerstoneskipton AT googlemail.com

Closing date for application Thursday 22 April 2010

3. Durham Cathedral Shop

Advertised on facebook, Durham Cathedral have a vacancy for a sales assistant to help in the recently resurrected Cathedral shop:

The Shop at Durham Cathedral, which serves visitors, churches and academics, is seeking to appoint a sales person to work in the Shop and the Cathedral. The Shop moves back into the Great Kitchen, which is currently undergoing repair, in April and the Cathedral is keen to restore it to its former position as a leading theological resource for the Diocese and University as well as a popular gift shop for visitors to the Cathedral.

Experience of working in a shop is not essential so much as willingness to contribute enthusiastically to this part of the Cathedral’s ministry, good people skills and sound theological knowledge that can be used to help people with their questions about books.

This is a full time post (37.5 hours) but could be shared between two people. It will involve taking a share in weekend and occasional evening working. Initially it will be for six months, reviewable at the end of that period, with a salary of £6.20 per hour.

If you are interested please send your cv and a letter, indicating why you are interested in the position and whether you are looking for full time or part time employment, to Philip Davies at the Chapter Office chapter.clerk AT durhamcathedral.co.uk, 0191 386 4266) by 19 April.
Joint applications for a job share are also welcome.

 

January 16, 2010

Our Journey So Far: Handouts from Stronger Together – Weaker Apart #stwa

Posted by Phil Groom under Downloads, Info | Tags: , , |
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Stronger Together - Weaker Apart - Consultation Day Presentation (pdf, 1MB, 15 pages)

Mandy Briars of CRE has kindly given permission for us to make the handouts from the Stronger Together – Weaker Apart consultation and presentation day available for those who were unable to attend.

More information should be on its way to retailers by the end of this month and the website — christianresourcestogether.co.uk — should be updated even sooner.

The first page of the handouts, excerpted here, sets the scene; to read the rest, download the pdf (1MB, 15 pages; thanks to Mark Fleeson of Lindisfarne Scriptorium, who converted the original Word files to pdf).

OUR JOURNEY so far…

Early in 2008 discussions began between the Christian Booksellers Convention (CBC) and Christian Resources Exhibitions (CRE) with the objective of the CRE team organising and managing the CBC event that was planned to be held at the TIC, Telford in March 2009.

Soon after the agreement had been reached and work had begun on planning the 2009 event it became apparent that the staging of the CBC exhibition at Telford was no longer financially viable. This was mainly due to the decline in delegate attendance over recent years and a number of significant suppliers indicating that they would not be exhibiting at the planned 2009 event.

Later in the year a decision was reached that CBC would be purchased by CRE (which is part of Bible Society) and would continue to be organised by CRE. It was also agreed that CBC would be integrated into the Sandown Park CRE programme for May 2009.

Every effort was made to maintain the character and identity of CBC within the CRE exhibition including a separate area for CBC exhibitors, training and the Banquet & Awards Evening.

With the limited amount of time to reorganise CBC within CRE, the transition was more successful than many had anticipated. However upon evaluation and the changing needs of both retailers and suppliers it was apparent a fresh approach to a retailers and suppliers gathering needed to be considered.

With this in mind representatives of CRE, the BA-CBG, Christian Suppliers Group, Christian Marketplace and the former STL Distribution met to consider the current requirements of both retailers and suppliers. Out of the discussions has come a new partnership to be known as ChristianResourcesTogether with an objective to provide support, fellowship, training and any appropriate business opportunities for those working within the Christian Retailers and Suppliers trade.

It is our privilege to invite you to join us on this journey as we share with you our plans for 2010 and beyond.

Stephen J Briars On behalf of ChristianResourcesTogether

 

December 23, 2009

Tidying Up: Jobs page added; Day of Prayer page archived

Posted by Phil Groom under Announcements, Info | Tags: , , , |
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Jobs Page Added

Given recent developments, it’s inevitable that some people will be seeking new jobs. With those people in mind, I’ve added a new page: Jobs. It’s open to all Christian employers and prospective employees to exchange details subject to acceptance of the following terms, cited on the page:

Please note that no endorsement of any person or organisation is implied. Any relationship or transaction established between you and any other party exists only between you and that party: it is your responsibility to satisfy yourself that the other party meets your requirements. By posting here, you agree that you accept these terms and that you accept full responsibility and liability for any information that you provide.

The page’s usefulness is entirely your call. It is offered free of charge, but donations towards the costs of running UKCBD are always welcome: please get in touch if you’d like to contribute.

Day of Prayer Page Archived

We still need to keep one another in prayer, of course, and I hope that the new year will present us with new opportunities for co-ordinated prayer, but for now I’ve archived the Day of Prayer page under What’s On > Day of Prayer

 

December 16, 2009

Publishers and Suppliers Supporting Retailers

Posted by Phil Groom under Christian Bookshops, Christian Publishers, Christian Suppliers, Info | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , |
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Several publishers and suppliers have been in touch recently with details of action they’re taking to offer retailers extra support through the current period of uncertainty with STL and/or during the run up to Christmas. This post provides a round up of the information I’ve gleaned or received so far; it is, of course, far from a comprehensive list: comments are open for anyone who’d like to add to it. My apologies for the length of time it has taken to prepare this post.

Starting with STL themselves, STL UK have, as has been their habit for several years now, reduced their carriage-free minimum order level from £75 trade value ex-VAT to £50 from 1st – 22nd December. Full details in their trade email 01/12/2009 and on the STL Blog, Reduced FREE Carriage Offer. Daily cut off points remain at 2.30pm for email, fax and telephone orders or 4.00pm via stldistribution.co.uk (don’t be misled by their “4pm Electronic Orders”: STL do not regard email as electronic).

STL USA have upped their game in an attempt to fill in the gaps resulting from their divorce-in-progress from STL UK and are now offering free carriage to the UK with direct delivery to bookshops rather than transhipment via Carlisle, subject to a minimum order of 15 items. Basic info on the STL UK blog, more details from STL USA. Feedback on the service has been mixed.

Other Suppliers (A – Z)

Caritas Music Publishing offer a wide range of CDs and DVDs with no minimum order requirement and no charge for carriage. Normally new customers would be required to open a Trade Account first before placing orders, but at present customers may place their orders direct with Katharine Douglas and open a Trade Account later, subject to agreement to the company’s trade terms. Many order forms can be downloaded from the website, others can be supplied electronically or by post. See the Trade Customers / Agents and Dealers page or the Caritas Blog for more details.

Gardners have been reviewing their religious stock range and establishing direct links with publishers previously supplied via STL. SPCK and Zondervan, for example, are both well represented, and some hard-to-find Thomas Nelson titles (such as Ian MacNair’s Teach Yourself New Testament Greek) can be supplied Print-on-Demand. Their recently updated Religious Books Catalogue (pdf, 1.5MB) lists over 8,000 titles.

Gates of Praise have reduced their carriage free minimum order value from £50 to £30 throughout December. Publishers distributed include Charisma House, Creation House and Destiny Image.

IVP continue to offer one of the best delivery services to the UK Christian book trade, with no  minimum order level or small-order surcharges and in-stock items on orders placed before 12 noon despatched same day for next day delivery. With HarperCollins now added to their portfolio alongside Bible Society, Crossway, IVP USA, the Good Book Company and Piquant — to name just some of the publishers they represent — IVP provide a vital link in the evangelical supply chain. Download their trade flyer or visit their trade section for more info.

Lindisfarne Scriptorium is offering weekly specials to both trade and retail. Recent offers include cards at half-price, down to 75p each, selected books at reduced prices and their key book and music by Iona’s Dave Bainbridge and David Fitzgerald available together for £19.99 instead of £29.98. Standard trade discounts are 30%-38%, 2% extra for pro-forma/card payments. For several trade outlets they offer 40% discount across the full range of products and if there is sufficient interest then a special card / print offer just for trade as well as generous discounts on the Life Journey range and Life in Christ range is available. To find out more, visit their Trade Enquiries page.

Norwich Books and Music: Like IVP, NBM offer an excellent service, with no  minimum order level or small-order surcharges and in-stock items on orders placed before 12 noon despatched same day — but not for next day delivery: delivery tends to take 3 to 4 working days. With HarperCollins now added to their portfolio alongside their own imprints (Canterbury Press and SCM), Church House Publishing, Darton, Longman & Todd and Epworth — amongst others — NBM provide an important link in the wider Christian supply chain.

Others out there include CLC Wholesale , Integrity-Provident Distribution and Ritchie Christian Media Supplies, of whom we’ll no doubt be hearing more in due course. All parties welcome to leave further details via the comments…

And finally, the Bible Society’s plans to gather the Christian book trade in January seem to be taking shape. The following information was sent out to the trade by email from Steve Briars earlier this month:

Stronger Together – Weaker Apart

… is a consultation and presentation day being organised by CRE/CBC in association with the Booksellers Association Christian Booksellers Group (BACBG), the Publishers Association Christian Suppliers Group and Christian Marketplace magazine.

  • Tuesday 12 January 2010
  • St Paul’s Church, Robert Adam Street, London, W1U 3HW
  • 10.30am for 11.00am – including buffet lunch – concluding by 2.00pm

Topics on the agenda include:

  • An Introduction to the new ChristianResourcesTogether Partnership
  • A Retailers and Suppliers Conference at the High Leigh Conference Centre
  • A Retailers Day at the Christian Resources Exhibition at Sandown Park

Personal  invitations should be sent out before Christmas: responses are requested no later than Thursday 7th Jan 2010. Contact Steve or Mandy Briars at CRE for more information.

 

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