National Business Awards SME finalist Focus: John Styring, CEO, Igloo Books

In the last ten years, Igloo Books has developed from being a re-seller of books to become one of the Top-10 Children’s Book Publishers in the country. Our product is now sold in 57 countries and is translated into 37 languages.

This outstanding growth has been achieved by a rigid adherence to our core values of Quality, Value and Service and has seen Igloo Books become the fastest-growing publisher of scale in the UK, recognised by being nominated as Children’s Publisher and Independent Publisher of the Year by the Bookseller.

How did you fund your business?
5 original shareholders invested £100,000. Funded growth through bank finance and balancing cash flow.

What is the biggest challenge SMEs are currently facing?
a) cash flow and funding growth b) another business going bust and taking you with them c) finding the best people.

Can you give any advice to others starting up businesses?
You will have to work exceptionally hard with tough days along the way but it is all worth it.

How do you foster innovation throughout your business?
For those that stand out and deliver innovative new ideas and ways of working there is no ceiling to how far they can go in Igloo….this has been proved time after time.