Honorary president: Judith Butcher Honorary vice-president: David Crystal OBE

Media release: 28 August 2006

Professionals behind punctuation gather in Nottingham

Nottingham, UK: The Society for Editors and Proofreaders choose Nottingham for their annual conference, 18-19 September 2006, Jubilee Campus, University of Nottingham

More than 130 professional editors and proofreaders will gather in Nottingham in mid-September to attend the annual conference of the Society for Editors and Proofreaders (SfEP). They represent a body of expertise whose task it is to check, correct and produce accurate and readable copy for publication. At a time when punctuation, spelling and grammatical 'correctness' are open to interpretation, the Society helps its members and anyone responsible for quality copy to uphold professional standards by providing training and qualifications.

The Society chose the East Midlands, original home to poet Lord Byron and author D H Lawrence, for its accessibility and quality of venue at the Jubilee Campus. 'Blue-sky thinking under a green roof' is the theme of the event, which will encourage delegates to focus on the importance of being both professional and entrepreneurial, and able to meet new challenges as the world of publishing continues to change. The 'green roof' is provided by the award-winning campus venue, with its striking modern buildings whose roofs are carpeted with low-growing alpine plants to help maintain a steady temperature throughout the year – most appropriate if a heated debate about the use and misuse of the semi-colon ensues.

Sara Hulse, the SfEP's PR director, says: 'Those who have attended previous conferences know what a valuable experience it is – not only to develop new skills but to network with other members and pick up valuable hints and tips. This year's programme promises to be as interesting, informative and inspiring as ever.'

A high point of the conference will be the annual Whitcombe Lecture on Monday 18 September, to be given by Ian Ritchie CBE, entrepreneur, business angel and author of New Media Publishing - Opportunities from the Digital Revolution. He has clear views on how SfEP members, many of whom are small businesses, can improve their chances of success by building good relationships with clients, leading to long-term collaborative relationships.

Conference sponsors include Oxford University Press and Palgrave Macmillan, in addition to Hiscox, Integra Communications, Pencil-Sharp Editors, Prepress Projects, the Publishing Training Centre and Scion Publishing.

The SfEP is testing the ability of Nottinghamshire readers and listeners to correct a piece of written text. Go to the SfEP website <www.sfep.org.uk> and follow the competition link. Print off the pdf document, correct the short item about Nottinghamshire (kindly provided by Experience Nottinghamshire), complete the tie-breaker and post your entry to Integra Communications – at the address given – by Tuesday 12 September. A winner will be announced at the conference on Monday 18 September.

Media enquiries: Louise Third, Integra Communications
Strelley Hall, Nottingham NG8 6PE
0115 906 1377/07773 288342 or 07973 285646

Looking for inspiration? Its all here in Nottinghamshire.

From Lord Byron to Paul smith, our county has alway's taken centre stage for creativity. After all, nottingham is regional capital and one of the UK's most stylish citys. Set within a county of outstanding natural beauty that includes Sherwood Forest, livley market towns and wonderful historic buildings. It's also home to the world's bestloved outlaw, Robin Hood.

We offer much more than locations and legends. we know how to have a good time – that's why our nightlife, shopping, sports, arts and culture are all so well known.

If you visit the Major Oak in sherwood Forest you'll discover true peace and quiet in are tranquil woodlands. Enjoy a leisurely lunch in a friendly country pub. Then head into the city in the afternoon for some serious shopping. Rest your wary legs with a coffee or a cocktail in one of our stylish, intimate bars before sitting down to a perfect meal in one of our restaurants Then youll be ready to hit the theatres, clubs and concerts that Notttingham is famous for.

Editors' note

For further information about the conference and the SfEP, please visit the website <www.sfep.org.uk> or contact Sara Hulse (tel: 01623 823002; email: pr@sfep.org.uk).

Society for Editors and Proofreaders, Riverbank House, 1 Putney Bridge Approach, Fulham, London SW6 3JD (tel: 020 7736 3278; fax: 020 7736 3318).

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