Bill Godber

Bill Godber was the founder and joint owner of Turnaround Publisher Services, a company he established in 1984 as a specialist distributor for independent publishers.1 He served as the Managing Director of the company until his retirement at the end of August 2022.12

During his tenure, Godber led Turnaround to significant growth, expanding its services to work with major international houses while maintaining its commitment to independent clients.1 His leadership was characterized by a focus on employee welfare and environmental responsibility, as evidenced by the company's transition to an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) upon his retirement and the initiative to plant 10,000 trees in partnership with Ecologi.1

Godber was known in the publishing industry for his support of independent bookshops and authors. He maintained strong relationships with clients and was described as well-informed and always ready to help make businesses prosper.3

After his retirement, Godber was succeeded as Managing Director by Andy Webb, who had previously served as the company's sales director.12 Godber and co-owner Claire Thompson retained a minority interest in the company after the transition to the EOT structure.1