Summary
Barefoot Books is an independent children's publisher, dedicated to creating better books for children. After twelve years of publishing, Barefoot has an international reputation for producing high quality picture books.

Background
The company was started from the homes of Tessa Strickland & Nancy Traversy in 1993, with no staff.  Since then Barefoot has grown into an international business with a team of 29 working out of offices in the UK and the USA.  In this time, turnover has risen from £110,000 to a forecasted £6 million for 2005.

Responsible business objectives

• To publish high-quality picture books which introduce children to other traditions and promote their independence of thought and creative ability. To achieve this by working with artists and writers from all over the world and with like-minded arts and business partners.
  

How they do it

• Partnership with Manchester City Galleries.
• Sponsorship of free events and workshops for the public, based at galleries.
• Development of educational resource pack for schools.
• Development of Gallery Cat book.  Introduction to the Manchester Art Gallery for young children
  

What impact it has

• 'Imagine' exhibition.  16-week, family-friendly exhibition, exploring the relationship between art, stories and the imagination.  Visited by over 65,000 people.
• 9 schools, bringing 800 pupils, used the Imagine exhibition as an educational resource.
• Encouragement of young children to engage in art, through the Gallery Cat book.
  

Business Benefits

• Sales. Several thousand pounds worth of Barefoot Books products sold at the Gallery.
• Stockists.  The success in sales has helped Barefoot establish new venues to stock their products, including Tate Modern and Barbican.
• Branding.  Extensive branding in the gallery's promotional literature has raised awareness of the Barefoot brand significantly across the region.
• Staff development.  Sharing of skills and knowledge between Barefoot and gallery staff.  Greater familiarity with the sector has improved Barefoot's marketing to this sector.
• Reputation.  The Imagine exhibition has endorsed the quality of art in Barefoot's books.  The Gallery Cat project created the opportunity to work with an internationally renowned illustrator, enhancing Barefoot's reputation.
• Awards. Arts Sponsorship category of the Hollis Sponsorship Awards, 2005.  Arts, Business & SME Award at the 27th National Arts & Business Awards, 2005.