Highlights from the 2025 PPA Independent Publisher Conference & Awards
On November 21, 2025, Philippe van Mastrigt, our Managing Director for Europe, attended one of the major events in the British publishing industry: the PPA Independent Publisher Conference & Awards. This annual gathering brings together many professionals from the U.K.’s independent publishing community for a day of conferences, networking, and celebration.
The event began with a half-day conference designed to deliver practical strategies and forward-thinking insights for independent publishers. Sessions focused on:
- Digital transformation and how publishers can adapt to evolving technologies.
- Audience engagement and subscription growth, with actionable tips for building loyal communities.
- Creative content strategies, including audio, video, and newsletters.
- Revenue diversification, exploring new monetization models beyond traditional advertising.
Industry experts shared case studies and best practices to help attendees navigate challenges and seize opportunities in a rapidly changing media landscape.
Among the various sessions, several stood out as sources of inspiration. The first was an interview with Jack Davenport from Goalhanger, the U.K.'s largest independent podcast producer. Davenport’s video podcast channel, which focuses on history, has attracted a significant audience. The channel operates primarily on an advertising-based business model—a strategy that is effective at scale—but has also developed a substantial subscription portfolio, providing diversification in its revenue streams. Notably, the channel did not originate from a traditional publisher; rather, its roots are in television, offering a more robust starting point for building a successful video operation.
Another noteworthy session was the roundtable discussion titled “From Articles to Algorithms: Protecting and Monetizing Content in the Age of AI,” moderated by David Buttle (Founder, DJB Strategies) and Tom West (Chief Executive, Publishers' Licensing Services). The session drew a large crowd, with many participants sharing concerns about how AI is disrupting their models, leading to declining traffic and threatening both advertising income and subscription conversions. David Buttle highlighted that certain content areas, such as cooking, are particularly impacted by AI-driven search, noting that 35% of traditional search activity has shifted to AI agents. While no definitive solutions emerged, there was consensus that potential pathways may include exploring new streams like licensing, as well as adapting journalistic approaches and formats toward richer content and expert opinions—areas where AI remains less effective.
In the afternoon, the conference shifted to the Independent Publisher Awards, celebrating creativity, innovation, and excellence across the sector. We were delighted to join our client, CDS Global at their table for the ceremony. Award categories honored achievements in digital products and design; marketing and subscription strategies; editorial leadership and team performance; events and multimedia initiatives. Winners represented the very best in U.K. consumer brands and business media, showcasing how independent publishers continue to thrive through bold ideas and exceptional execution.