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New Holland's new m.d. says the illustrated and travel publisher needs to "get its house in order" after a tough ride since last April. Steve Connolly, who replaced outgoing m.d. John Beaufoy this month, blamed the difficulties in part on a struggling co-edition market. He added: "This
year is definitely going to be a struggle."
This year’s downturn is a stark reversal for the company, coming after recently released results showing a record year for the UK division. In the 12 months to 31st March 2007, the company had its highest-ever turnover of £8.5m, with profits at £628,000.
Connolly joined from Struik Publishers, the Cape Town-based business also owned by New Holland’s South African parent Avusa. He said he hoped to build New Holland’s British-generated list, and look at more non-illustrated publishing. He added: "We definitely need strong UK trade publishing. I think if you are going to control your own destiny, you need to have good home grown publishing."
A bright spot for the year had been the performance of the Cadogan Guides travel list which New Holland acquired in April. Connolly said: "I’m impressed by its performance. It balances with our other titles and requires more market attention."