Are you starting out in the book trade? Looking for a subsidized London home with no deposit? Apply today to join our book loving community at Bookbinders Cottages, London N20

Download the brochure 

We offer a small, unique development of 17 new apartments providing a first home for people starting their Book Trade career in London. Affordable, safe and beautiful, we couldn’t be prouder of these homes and our ambition to create a diverse, vibrant community of people entering our trade. 

Our commitment doesn’t stop there though - we also have a grants programme, and (should you qualify financially) may be able to help successful applicants with removal costs and/or the purchase of essential household items. The grants application process is straightforward and confidential.

Tenancies

All our tenancies are Assured Shorthold Tenancies (ASTs)

We want to help as many young entrants to the trade as possible in the coming years. Our intention therefore is that our tenancies for these applicants be regarded as a “stepping-stone” and the anticipation is that tenants will be in a position to move on within 1-2 years to allow for new applicants to benefit from the scheme.

Eligibility

Applicants will normally be starting their first or second jobs in publishing or bookselling, or taking up internships or apprenticeships (of not less than six months). We welcome applications from all ne

w entrants to the trade, but we are keen to help those most in need of support and to help promote diversity in the trade, so where there are more applicants than vacancies we will prioritise these according to criteria. This may include (but is not limited to) those people:

· starting out in their publishing careers who consider themselves to be underrepresented entrants

· facing financial hardship

· currently in insecure or unsuitable housing

· with an unreasonable or challenging commute to London.

· between 18-35 year-old, but younger applicants who are moving away 

from home for the first time may be prioritised

· clear commitment, passion and ambition for a career in the UK book trade

If you are interested in joining a vibrant and diverse community of people who are entrants to the Book Trade please apply here or contact Glenda at [email protected] for further information.

What our new residents are saying 

“When I received my offer for my dream role in Publishing, I was filled with worry as to 1) where I’d live once I’d moved to London 2) how I’d afford to live in London on an entry level salary. Luckily, I was put in contact with the Book Trade Charity that helped me move from Birmingham - London and navigate my first 6 months in a new city. I was offered a flat at a subsidised rate pm, which allowed me to live comfortably. The administration team at BTBS ensured that everything ran smoothly with the property and were ever so kind when it came to answering and resolving my enquiries. Since being in London, I have gone on to become a Rights Assistant at a reputable commercial company, as well as win awards and establish a presence in the industry. 

I wouldn’t have been able to achieve so much without the support of The Book Trade Charity. I sincerely hope other ambitious, future publishing professionals are given the opportunity to receive such support when moving to London.”

Hena

“The Book Trade Charity’s housing provision at the beginning of my publishing career was immensely helpful. Never having lived in London before, I had no idea how to start my search for a flat and I had to move quite quickly. Being able to know that I had a place to stay in London meant that I did not have to worry about that while learning the ropes at my new job.”

Anja

“I used to live 2 hours away from London, so when I was offered the chance to intern in the city, there were so many factors in my way. I needed to start work within a few weeks, I couldn’t afford the initial costs of relocating, and I was worried that on an intern wage I couldn’t afford London rents. Then, I found out about BTBS’ accommodation offer. After a few emails, and a visit to Whetstone, I was ready to move in. Everything was taken care of, the BTBS team couldn’t have been more helpful and accommodating, and it allowed me the chance to establish myself in London and get a permanent job in the industry. In addition, I got to meet and make friends with some lovely fellow publishing assistants all in the same boat as I was.” 

Zara

“BTBS were a lifeline when I decided to make the move to London and into trade publishing. Moving to a new city is never easy, and keeping up with the cost of living in London was incredibly daunting, but having BTBS provide subsidised housing in my first year saved me so much stress with finding accommodation and also keeping up with rent! I'm immensely grateful to the charity and the whole team, but especially Glenda who was incredibly supportive throughout my time at the Cottages. It's a great charity, doing the necessary work of making publishing more accessible to everyone.”

Zakirah

BTBS has been a wonderful source of support to me during the start of my career in publishing, offering transportation costs to interviews and subsidised accommodation in London. The Bookbinders Cottages has provided a peaceful oasis within easy travelling distance to central London at the start of my career which was much appreciated given I had never lived in London before. I have no doubt that without the assistance of BTBS I would not have the career I currently do and I am incredibly grateful that they continue to support the next generation of publishers.

Brogan