University of Chester Press celebrates 25 years of publishing success

Established in August 2001 as Chester Academic Press, the University's in-house publishing operation released 31 titles before relaunching as the University of Chester Press in 2011. Since then, it has continued to grow and now boasts a catalogue of 94 titles authored by contributors from across the UK and around the world. 

The UoC Press is one of only a small number of UK universities to operate its own publishing house, providing a unique platform for original research, professional practice and creative work linked to the University. It also has a strong commitment to the local community, prioritising publications connected to the history, life and culture of Cheshire and the wider region. 

Managed by an Editorial Board and supported by a rigorous peer review process, the Press seeks to uphold the University's values of excellence in learning, teaching, research and innovation. It offers authors a cost-effective and personalised route to publication, with almost all stages of the publishing process taking place in Chester. 

Over the past quarter of a century, the Press has published a wide range of academic and local interest titles, helping to preserve, celebrate and share knowledge with readers both locally and internationally.  

To mark the anniversary, colleagues, authors and supporters gathered to celebrate the achievement and reflect on the Press's contribution over the last 25 years. The event, held in conjunction with the Culture and Society Research and Knowledge Exchange Institute, featured insights from published authors, including a current research student, staff, alumni and editorial board members.  

The Press's next publication will be The Rising Tide: Creative Writing from the Cheshire Prize for Literature 2025, featuring winning and shortlisted entries from this year's competition and due to be published in November. Its latest title is Left But Not Forgotten: The Children of the Foundling Hospital at Chester. 

Dr Sarah Griffiths, Managing Editor of the University of Chester Press, said: "It has been a real team effort to reach this milestone anniversary, with assistance from people across the institution and beyond. 

"This includes the authors who entrust their work to us for publication, the people involved in production and the supporters out in the community. 

"I would like to thank all of them for playing their important part in the success of the University of Chester Press over the last 25 years." 

Professor Wayne Morris, member of the University of Chester Press Editorial Board, said: "The 25-year anniversary of the University of Chester Press is a real moment for celebration. The 94 titles published in this time have showcased not only ground-breaking and transformational research from the University's own excellent staff but also by several of our fantastic students too. The Press also publishes books of regional interest by authors associated with the University, providing a unique and critical service to the city and region and helping us to understand more clearly where we have come from, who we are, and what we might become. In its 26th year and beyond, I cannot wait to see what other titles the University of Chester Press will publish." 

Caption: Left to right: Michelle Ravenscroft, PhD student; Dr Lisa Peters, Academic Services Officer; Dr Simon Gwyn Roberts; Dr Sarah Griffiths, Managing Editor of the University of Chester Press; Graeme White, Emeritus Professor of Local History at the University of Chester; James Holt, Professor of Religion and Education at the University of Chester and Wayne Morris, Professor of Contextual Theology and Associate Dean for Postgraduate Research (PGR) Studies and People, Culture and Environment at the University of Chester.