Bristol Distinguised Address Series

Steven Page in conversation with Nikesh Shukla

Stephen Page on navigating change: Leadership, creativity and the future of publishing.

Key Information:

Date and time
Thu 06 November 2025
18:00 - 21:00
Location
Hybrid: Online and Watershed, 1 Canons Road, Further info
Contact
Abi Williams Abigayle.Williams@uwe.ac.uk
Cost
Free
Attendance
Booking required
See all events

Description

This event explores the dynamic evolution of the publishing and creative industries through the lens of Steven's extensive experience. It delves into how technological advancements, sector strategies and leadership approaches are reshaping creative communities. Paying particular attention to engagement with UK Government through bodies such as the Creative Industries Council and regional growth in cities such as Bristol.

The conversation will also address the continued technological developments and their implications for the creative sector; highlighting opportunities for innovation, collaboration and sustainable leadership in a rapidly changing cultural and economic landscape.

About Stephen

Stephen is Non-Executive Chair of Faber & Faber, one of the worlds leading independent literary publishing houses, where he was Chief Executive from 2001 to 2021.

Stephen grew up in the midlands and studied History at Bristol University. His career in publishing began in bookselling, after a mercifully brief period as the drummer in a rock band. He discovered his love of literature in his early twenties, and worked at Transworld, 4th Estate and HarperCollins in commercial and leadership roles before being appointed to run Faber in 2001.

Stephen also works closely with government and sits on the Creative Industries Council, where the UK Government and the Creative and Cultural sectors work together to seek ways to ensure that these sectors thrive. He also sat on the Creative Growth Task Force, informing the recent Sector Plan for the Creative industries.

He is a visiting Professor at City, University of London, chaired the social enterprise Creative Access, ensuring that there is access to all Creative Industries for all. He has also recently trained as a business coach runs his own coaching practice.

He remains a drummer in a 90s cover band, The Landline. He is married with two sons and lives in West London. In 2022 he was awarded an OBE for services to publishing.

Programme

18:00 Arrival & registration in Foyer.

18:30 Event starts in Cinema 1 / livestream begins.

19:30 Q&A.

19:45 Event ends / livestream ends.

19:45–21:00 Networking and drinks

Registration and tickets

  • Cost: Free
  • Attendance: Booking required

Location

Watershed
1 Canons Road
Bristol
BS1 5TX
UK

Online: Tbc

Visiting the Watershed

Accessibility

UWE Bristol welcomes all abilities/disabilities, ages, ethnicities, and genders to our events. If you have any questions, concerns or additional requirements then please let us know, by contacting the Events Team at events@uwe.ac.uk, so that we can make your time at this event as comfortable as possible.

Venue information

Disabled parking: No

Step-free access: Yes

Accessible toilets: Yes

Assisted Listening: Yes

Guide/assistance dog-friendly: Yes

Quiet spaces available: Yes

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