Feature
Issue No. 25 - October/November 2005
Profitable publishing builds slowly
Our publishing industry is an important state asset and the fact's easily seen if you read between the lines.
South Australian publishers have come together in a cluster – which ‘in-business’ supports – to network and draw attention to our economic impact.
Sensing that the publishing industry is understood neither by the public nor by governments, the publishing cluster has conducted surveys to describe the local publishing industry, its social and economic position, and offer insights into its economic impact in South Australia.
The first survey took place in 2001. A follow up in 2004 went to 18 publishers identified in the Adelaide (the cluster is clear that there are more yet to be identified); 12 responded.
Almost half of the publishers' main product formats were in the ‘printed books’ sector with most of the rest being in either the ‘CD-ROM’ or ‘CD’ sectors.
Three years ago more than 80% of respondents turned over less than $2 million dollars. Now, just over 60% of respondents fall within this category. Surprisingly, no current respondents have a turnover of more than $10 million but two respondents expect to be at that level in three years’ time.
Over 80% of all the respondents predict growth during the next three years. In the $1 million or greater turnover group the prediction is stronger, anticipating 60% growth from the 2001 level.
Specifically, current annual turnover for the respondents is up to $36.5m (therefore possibly $54m for the identified industry players as a whole). Planned annual turnover in three years is up to $48.5m (therefore possibly $72m for the identified industry players as a whole).
Coming from a base of about $28.7m turnover three years ago, the actual growth over the last three years has been 27%; among the survey respondents the planned growth rate over the next three years is 33%.
“This growth is planned in the abs...
