The Book Trade Charity
The welfare charity of the book trade, providing financial support and accommodation for people who have worked in the UK book trade, in publishing, distribution or bookselling, for more than one year. Housing at Kings Langley, Herts, provides a range of subsidised accommodation in 36 dwellings; the average age of residents is about 64. Grant support, regular or one-off can be offered across UK.
Activities & Mission
The welfare charity of the book trade, providing financial support and accommodation for people who have worked in the UK book trade, in publishing, distribution or bookselling, for more than one year. Housing at Kings Langley, Herts, provides a range of subsidised accommodation in 36 dwellings; the average age of residents is about 64. Grant support, regular or one-off can be offered across UK.
Areas of Operation
Where this charity is registered to operate, as self-declared to the Charity Commission. These are regulatory classifications, not a list of active programmes, and don't necessarily indicate fundraising activity in each location.
Country
Region
Financial Information
Financial Efficiency
Higher than 89% of UK Arts charities with income £100K to £1M (sample: 962). How is this calculated?
Higher than 35% of UK Arts charities with income £100K to £1M. How is this calculated?
Lower overhead than 37% of UK Arts charities with income £100K to £1M. (Lower overhead is generally read as more efficient.) How is this calculated?
Latest Financial Breakdown
Income Sources
Expenditure Categories
Financial Trend
Annual Returns
As filed with the Charity Commission for England and Wales. Most recent filing covers the financial year ending 2024.
| Financial Year | Income | Expenditure | Charitable Spending | Net Assets | Reserves | Staff |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | £910,633 | £1,096,519 | £1,027,996 | £9,342,755 | £256,072 | 4 / 20 |
| 2023 | £1,493,303 | £1,199,257 | £1,129,263 | £9,507,927 | £238,323 | 4 / 20 |
| 2022 | £837,988 | £1,000,546 | £936,221 | £9,205,916 | £374,889 | 3 / 20 |
| 2021 | £632,580 | £1,014,956 | £955,193 | £9,412,808 | £478,990 | 4 / 20 |
| 2020 | £1,267,311 | £1,156,967 | £1,098,082 | £9,755,896 | £9,755,896 | 4 / 13 |
Staff column shows: Employees / Volunteers
Frequently asked questions about The Book Trade Charity
What does The Book Trade Charity do?
The welfare charity of the book trade, providing financial support and accommodation for people who have worked in the UK book trade, in publishing, distribution or bookselling, for more than one year. Housing at Kings Langley, Herts, provides a range of subsidised accommodation in 36 dwellings; the average age of residents is about 64. Grant support, regular or one-off can be offered across UK.
How much income did The Book Trade Charity report in 2024?
The Book Trade Charity reported total income of £911k and reported expenditure of £1.10m for the financial year ending 2024, based on the most recent annual return filed with the Charity Commission.
How efficient is The Book Trade Charity?
The Book Trade Charity has a program ratio of 112.9%, meaning that share of its income goes directly to charitable activities. This is higher than 89% of UK Arts charities with income £100K to £1M (sample of 962 charities). See our methodology for how this is calculated.
When was The Book Trade Charity registered as a charity?
The Book Trade Charity was registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales on 18 February 2009 as charity number 1128129. It has been registered for 17 years.
Who runs The Book Trade Charity?
The Book Trade Charity is governed by a board of 7 trustees. The chair of trustees is Jonathan Nowell. Trustees are legally responsible for the charity's governance and are listed in full on its profile.
Where does The Book Trade Charity operate?
The Book Trade Charity operates across 3 areas: Northern Ireland, Scotland and England And Wales.
Is The Book Trade Charity a registered charity?
Yes — The Book Trade Charity is a registered charity in England and Wales, charity number 1128129.
Details
The Foyle Centre
28 The Retreat
KINGS LANGLEY
Hertfordshire
WD4 8LT
Registry Information
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Major UK charities in the same primary sector, drawn from the curated priority cohort.
Trustees
Also governs 1 other charity
Data & trust
- Register data refreshed
- 14 May 2026
- Methodology
- How metrics are calculated