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Cath Bruzzone, founder of children’s publisher b small publishing, has joined the Independent Publishers Guild (IPG) as the company's latest patron.
Alongside its publisher Sam Hutchinson, Bruzzone has built b small into a specialist in creative non-fiction, activity and language learning books. She is also a former member of the IPG board and has been a supporter of various independent publishers, including through the IPG’s mentoring programme.
The IPG’s group of patrons are made up of people whose companies are, or have been, members of the IPG, and who wish to remain involved with the guild and independent publishing in an individual capacity. They are lifetime members of the IPG, and the donations they provide are ring-fenced for special IPG projects or purchases. In recent years, Patrons’ generous contributions have facilitated the launch of the IPG Skills Hub, an important free professional development resource for members, as well as training grants.
The full list of patrons includes: David Blunt, Nicholas Brealey, Kathryn Earle, Nigel Farrow, Oliver Gadsby, Chris Hall, Jonathan Harris, Philip Kogan, Sonny Leong, Edward Milford, Brian Moeran, Geoff Nuttall, Jill Pearce, Martin Sheppard, John Skelton, Jim Smith, Brian Willan and Martin Woodhead. The late Alan Finlay, David Fulton and Tim Rix have also served.
IPG c.e.o. Bridget Shine said: “We are thrilled that Cath has decided to become an IPG patron. She is the epitome of independent publishing: a successful entrepreneur who has created a superb business, a passionate advocate for books and reading, and an unfailingly kind supporter of other people who are making their way in the industry. It is typical of her to seek to give something back to independent publishing, and we are hugely grateful for her support.”
Commenting on her position, Bruzzone said: “My connection with the IPG goes back a long way to the days when b small was a one-woman operation and the IPG became my publishing family. I received such warm advice and support from my fellow members. Now I’m really pleased to continue this relationship as a patron - which sounds very grand - and help others as the IPG helped me.”