Cambridge University Press, the publishing division of the University of Cambridge, has reported its eighth successive year of growth in its annual report for the year to April 30, 2010, despite a turbulent global economy. The report shows that sales of books and journals published by the Press increased by 11.5 percent to £201.1 million, and that overall revenues have grown by 3.3 percent, to £213.3 million.
Cambridge Learning, which consists of English Language Teaching (ELT) and curriculum educational publishing, exceeded £100 million in revenue for the first time, becoming the Press's largest revenue stream. ELT retained its leading position in courses for adults with a revenue increase of 10 percent over the previous year and the launch in April 2010 of the new international course English Unlimited. Examination preparation and English for Specific and Academic Purposes are showing particularly high levels of growth.
In Education, India and Australia drove strong sales from Asia-Pacific, with growth of 48 percent and 14 percent respectively. Despite a difficult year in South Africa due to government cuts, the consistent provision of high-quality publications and customer care helped the African Branch to achieve the Sefika Award for South Africa's best large educational publisher.
Global sales of academic and professional books and journals increased by 13 percent to just under £95 million. Overall, 1,720 new titles were published, an increase of 23 percent on the previous year, a record level of productivity, and a further 852 out-of-print titles were reissued using digital print technology.
Cambridge Journals delivered another strong performance, with revenue increasing by 19 percent, totalling £31 million from 250 journals. Newly-won business, expanded consortia and licensing sales and the development of the Cambridge Journals Digital Archive all contributed towards this increase in sales.
Other highlights for the Press overall included developments in digital media. In early 2010, Cambridge Books Online was launched, which is the Press's own eBook platform for individual academic books. Over 6,000 eBooks are currently available, with over 10,000 titles expected by the end of 2010.
The Press has also been involved with many community involvement initiatives in the UK and abroad. These include sponsorship of schools and University students in poverty-stricken areas, and the provision of educational materials and donation of staff time under a scheme whereby staff are allowed to volunteer working time for educational and charity projects.
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