The British Book Awards has handed a Richmond publishing house the Small Press of the Year award for South-East England.

Duckworth Books, founded in 1898 and one of the UK's oldest independent imprints, adds the regional award to its history,

Duckworth Books, founded in 1898 and one of the UK's oldest independent imprints, adds with legendary former authors such as D. H. Lawrence and Henry James included alongside a vibrant roster of contemporary writers.

The British Book Awards say Duckworth continues to outperform under its new ownership with a tripling of turnover since 2018, and 38% export growth in 2025.

Selected by the judges from 63 finalists announced last month, the award, sponsored by TJ Books, celebrates the independent presses committed to driving diversity within publishing, including establishing writers from working class backgrounds, celebrating Latin American writers and furthering accessibility for children's books.

Philip Jones, editor of The Bookseller and chair of the judges for The British Book Awards, said: "Small presses in the UK and Ireland continue to punch above their weight, growing sales, winning prizes, and building new routes to readers.

"What draws these publishers together is the dedication to their writers, the determination to find readers for them, and the delight in their successes.

"Battling increased costs and a bumpy economy, in the National Year of Reading, their work is more necessary the ever."

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Andy Watts, Managing Director of TJ Books, added: "Congratulations to the Small Press of the Year Regional and Country winners.

"As part of our renewed commitment to supporting smaller presses, we're delighted to celebrate the regional and country winners from across the UK and Ireland and to recognise the vital contribution independent publishers make to readers and to the wider industry."

To learn more about Duckworth Books click here.

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