Saunders Bullish about DPA and data publishing

24 Jan 2006

At the annual DPA reception last night, DPA chairman, Nick Saunders, addressed the changing environment during which DPA, and its members, have been "experiencing an exciting period of development and undergoing significant changes."

Nick Saunders, DPA Chairman and Head of Corporate Support at Yell Group, welcomed not only UK businesses representing all areas of data publishing, but also members of the European Association of Directory Publishers (EADP). He said, "Tonight's enthusiastic turnout is a strong indication of the DPA's current state of health and a sign that we are all concerned with the changes that are happening in our industry.

“But the changing environment is not just something that will impact only a handful of the bigger players in the DPA, it's something that has huge implications for the smaller players too. The internet, for instance, will continue to be a major force that will undoubtedly impact all DPA members.  The number of people online via broadband will grow by 27 per cent as more and more people recognise the benefits of accessing information online. By contrast regional press advertising is forecast to grow by just 2.5 per cent. Clearly this is an area that affects us all and keeping abreast of developments is a full-time job. Here the DPA has a clear role to play for its members.

"One of the benefits of the DPA is that we do attract a broad membership base and that naturally brings with it other interests and concerns. In the coming months I'm looking forward to the association further expanding and strengthening."

More than 150 people gathered for the reception at the RAC Club in London on 23 January.