There’s a strange thing going on…
All our politics, environmental, and business books are written by leading experts in their field. The books themselves always represent truly up to date, concise, factually correct advice and data.
Your publisher used to work for the Thomson Reuters news agency – and we had a mantra which was that all political and general, and economic news had to ‘actionable’. Meaning it gave you the information you needed…well…to take action. Therein lay the value.
So why the disparity in perceived value between a Bite-Sized Book, and say, an hour of wisdom and advice from a consultant.
Ah but, sadly, will always be so. Our Bite-Sized books are rarely over £10. Perhaps a 100th of a consultant’s daily fee rate – and yet we’d suggest of almost equal ‘actionable’ value.
So whether fresh to the subject and in need of a ‘primer’, or already knowledgeable and in need of the latest thinking or simply seeking a refresher, we’d be so pleased if you’d dip into our catalogue and get a true bargain!
Here endeth the lesson!
NEW POLITICS BOOKS
PANDERING TO POPULISM? POLITICS AND JOURNALISM IN A POST-TRUTH AGE
– EDITED BY JOHN MAIR, TOR CLARK, NEIL FOWLER, RAYMOND SNODDY, RICHARD TAIT
Populist politicians have taken over much the world – and their first battleground has been the media. Across the globe journalism is in the forefront of a battle for truth and the integrity of public information. Strongmen leaders and populist insurgents are taking on and denigrating established journalism, as other external factors threaten the medium’s financial viability. In this book, the sixth and final volume of a series started in 2016, leading journalists and academics discuss this crisis in the UK, USA and across the world. Have the media pandered to populism and what does it all mean for the future of free journalism and civilised society?
Here’s the press release
New Book Explores the Rise of Populism and Its Threat to Journalism and Democracy.
A compelling new publication, Pandering to Populism? Journalism and Politics in a Post-truth Age,unpacks the global rise of populism and its disruptive effects on democracy and journalism.
Edited by John Mair, Tor Clark, Neil Fowler, Raymond Snoddy and Richard Tait, and co-authored by 39 leading international journalists and academics, the volume offers a timely, in-depth exploration of how populist movements around the world are reshaping political discourse and media practices.
Lead Editor Mair comments, “Driven by economic discontent, cultural anxiety, and a backlash against perceived elite detachment, populism has gained momentum in many democracies. While often labelled far-right, populist leaders like Donald Trump, Marine Le Pen, and Viktor Orbán present diverse ideologies. What unites them is a claim to represent “the people” against entrenched powers – challenging the very foundations of liberal democracy.”
The book highlights how media institutions are struggling to respond. Traditional journalism faces the dual challenge of countering misinformation while resisting the lure of sensationalism. With populists adept at using social media to bypass traditional channels, journalists must navigate a complex environment without compromising ethical standards or public trust.
The authors call for renewed journalistic integrity—emphasising fact-based reporting, diversity of thought, and democratic accountability. As Foreword contributor, Sir Trevor Phillips, notes, “meeting the populist challenge requires not only clear-eyed reporting but also a deeper understanding of the societal forces at play.”
This critical volume urges journalists, academics, and policymakers to reflect and act—ensuring that media remains a bulwark for democracy in an era of political upheaval.
OUTFLANKING POPULISM – A MANIFESTO TO INSPIRE TRUST, TO CREATE HOPE, AND DEMAND IMMEDIATE POSITIVE CHANGE – GEORGE EVANS
The election of a Labour Government with a 166 seat majority after 14 years of Tory misrule and corruption, looked like an opportunity to turn a new page. With the political sensitivity of a land mine, Starmer and Reeves dashed those hopes, implementing Tory policies, following discredited Tory fiscal rules, and forgetting how Keynesian economics had helped forge a new post-Second World War settlement and the Welfare State. They are gifting the country to the populists who feed on discontent and seductively promise real change, to clear up the mess get rid of the same old, same old, while hiding their true policies.
George Evans has created a manifesto for real change in this important book, demanding a new inclusive settlement based on immediate action, so people can trust the Government again, see crimes dealt with, and wrongs like the Post Office scandal speedily corrected to give people hope again.
George Evans
George Evans – an ex-county councillor and ex-Parliamentary candidate who left the Labour Party when Jeremy Corbyn refused to oppose Brexit – is passionate about ensuring that the populists can’t destroy our NHS and the real fabric of our society. Now is the time to inspire people and give them reasons for optimism.
BUY HERE (paperback, e-Book, hardback, audio)
THE BBC: AFTER THE LICENCE FEE?
EDITED BY JOHN MAIR, ANDREW BECK, JANINE CHANDLER
Autumn 2025 is the start of a process that could prove existential for the BBC — negotiations with the government on the next Royal Charter and the level of licence fee. Debate on this has never been more febrile. Anti-BBC talk now comes from friends as well as enemies. What is the BBC getting right, and what wrong? Are there viable alternatives to the licence fee? What will the organisation look like after 2027?
Some answers are in this thirty-six-chapter book. Two BBC Director-Generals, former senior television executives, media journalists, and media academics contribute.
The editors
This is John Mair’s sixty-fourth edited book — and his sixth on the BBC. He is a former BBC producer.
Andrew Beck has edited nine books in the last four years. A former teacher he now works as an adviser, author, and editor.
Janine Chandler worked in brands and innovation, as BBC Head of Brand Strategy, and now leads Jump In Puddles, a certified B Corp consultancy.
Coming soon
NEW BUSINESS BOOKS
CRISIS? WHAT CRISIS?: HOW BUSINESSES CAN PREPARE FOR AND MANAGE UNEXPECTED EVENTS – RALPH JACKSON
SEE the REVIEW at the end of the book description. Impressive.
Do you have a crisis plan for your business? Anecdotal evidence indicates varying numbers for those who do, or do not. But one message is clear: consumers believe businesses should have one.
These consumers are increasingly intolerant of brands that mishandle incidents—and many are quick to switch to competitors.
This book offers practical guidance for business owners and managers on handling crises, with a strong focus on communication. It emphasizes the need for thorough preparation, outlining what to say, to whom, and how to manage messaging throughout a crisis.
Included are actionable steps on messaging, training, team coordination, media management (including social), and recovery. It also draws on numerous real-world examples—both good and bad—from around the globe.
Ralph Jackson
Author Ralph Jackson has spent over 30 years advising businesses in the UK and internationally on crisis communication. A former policy lead at the FSB, he has held senior roles at WPP, Lansons Team Farner, and now operates as Ralph Jackson Consultancy. Ralph also advises on public policy strategies and lives in Oxfordshire.
BUY HERE + see all reviews
REVIEW
This book is a must-read for any business owner, leader, or entrepreneur who understands that challenges are inevitable but also believes that preparation is key to overcoming them. With over three decades of expertise in crisis and reputation management, the author offers a clear, practical, and reassuring roadmap to navigate tough situations.
From understanding when a problem could escalate into a crisis to providing actionable steps for managing and recovering from it, this guide empowers businesses of all sizes to protect their reputation, safeguard their resources, and ultimately emerge stronger.
It’s a book that not only offers hope but equips you with the knowledge to handle whatever challenges come your way, ensuring your business can weather the storm and thrive in the face of adversity.”
James Endersby
CEO of Opinium and
Chair of the Market Research Society
BORN TO BE (UNCONSCIOUSLY) BIASED: STRATEGIES TO UNBIAS YOUR BUSINESS DECISION MAKING – FABI FUGAZZA
No activity in organisations is more important than decision making.
Unconscious biases, however, cloud our view, and threaten our ability to make optimal, rational decisions. These biases impact our thinking without us even being aware of it and so, because we don’t see our own unconscious biases, we often feel our decisions are based purely on “merit”.
This is not so. This book will lift the cloud, explain why decisions made purely on merit are generally a “myth”, and show you how unconscious bias impacts your decisions. This book will then provide you with practical strategies to minimise bias in your decision-making processes, helping you to optimise your organisational decision making and your organisational outcomes.
Fabi Fugazza
Fabi Fugazza ANZAM LLB BBusComm MMgmt GDLP is a management expert, international academic and lawyer with extensive experience in equity initiatives, human/civil rights and organisational management. She owns unconscious bias consulting and training business jObjective and is a multi-award-winning, having taught unconscious bias, law, business, and social sciences in undergraduate and graduate programs across three continents.
OUTSOURCE TO TRANSFORM: A GUIDE TO FINDING THE RIGHT PARTNERS, MANAGING THE CHANGE AND RISKS
– RICHARD CRIBB, IAN HUCKER, GILLIAN PERRY
Unlock Outsourcing Success with This Essential Guide
Thinking of outsourcing but unsure where to start? Outsource to Transform is your go-to guide for mastering outsourcing—from strategic planning and risk management to handling change effectively.
Combining insights from three expert guides, this book offers an 11-step framework to help leaders, executives, and project managers make smart decisions, avoid costly mistakes, and build lasting partnerships.
Discover how to assess and mitigate risks, ensure supplier accountability, and prevent common pitfalls. Learn why treating vendors as strategic partners—not just service providers—is key to long-term success.
The guide also tackles the people side of outsourcing, offering strategies for managing transitions, integrating teams, and fostering collaboration.
Whether you’re in IT, HR, or leading a project, this book equips you with the tools to unlock agility, access global talent, and gain a competitive edge.
Take control of your outsourcing success—get your copy today!
BRIDGING THE GAP – YOUR GUIDE TO UNDERSTANDING THE TECH
AND YOUR TECHIES
– KASEY McCURDY + ANDREW WEAVER
Are you a non-technologist business leader grappling not only with the pace of technological change but also the challenge of managing those mercurial technologists you need to help create your competitive advantage?
“Bridging the Gap” is your essential guide to managing both the tech, and your tech team.
Written by Kasey McCurdy (the techie) and Andrew Weaver (the non-techie), this book helps to demystify the quirks of engineers, the mysteries of modern methodologies, and the secrets to building high-performing, harmonious teams.
Discover:
- Why engineers automate everything (and why that’s a superpower)
- How to foster autonomy, trust, and flow-state genius
- The real reasons tech projects fail – and how to avoid the traps
- Practical tips, CTO confessions, and timeless lessons on collaboration
- How to future-proof your leadership, slash burnout, and unlock innovation
Packed with wit, wisdom, and actionable insights, “Bridging the Gap” will help you
transform personal frustration into collective firepower.
Kasey McCurdy has 25 years of tech leadership experience and having worked closely with the C-suite, he understands how and where the operational schisms can occur. He brings this experience into some very personal insights about what’s needed for the tech and the business to be better aligned, and from that, achieve greater synergies.
Andrew Weaver is the CEO of CTO Academy, who has worked with thousands of technology leaders from around the world. He has witnessed first-hand how many of the operational challenges faced by modern companies come down to people issues – misunderstandings, misalignments, and as a result, poor communications.
COMING SOON!