Roland DG’s CEO breaks down new major expansion strategy
In an exclusive interview with Print Monthly at FESPA, Roland DG’s CEO discussed some of the company’s recent strategic shifts, including its new industrial portfolio and brand identity
The Reading Agency has released a report claiming that nearly half of UK adults get distracted from reading, with the number of adults reading regularly dropping to 53%
The Reading Agency has released a report titled ‘State of the Nation in Adult Reading 2025’, revealing what it labels as a growing reading crisis, especially among younger adults.
The report found that distraction is one of the most common barriers to reading for pleasure in the UK.
Nearly half (46%) of UK adults surveyed said that they struggle to focus on reading due to distractions around them. The figure rises to 55% among the 16-24 and 35-44 age brackets, and 52% for those aged 25-34.
1 in 3 adults shared that they often multitask while reading, whether commuting, exercising, or doing household chores. For younger adults, this figure spikes: 48% of 25–34s and 43% of 16–24s and 35-44s read on the go.
Even when people do pick up a book, finishing it is another challenge. Almost a third (31%) of adults say they struggle to finish what they start reading, with younger readers hit hardest. 43% of 16-34 year-olds have reported issues with finishing books.
The report finds that overall, the number of UK adults who say they read regularly has dropped to 53%, down from 58% in 2015.
When asked what’s behind this drop in reading focus, top causes in reading include a lack of free time, changes in mental or physical health, major life events, and changes in screen time or digital habits.
Karen Napier, chief executive officer of The Reading Agency, says: “We’re living in a world full of noise – constant pings, feeds, and to-do lists.
“Reading can be a lifeline, but only if we can carve out the headspace for it. Through initiatives like Quick Reads and World Book Night’s Reading Hour, we’re helping people rediscover the joy of uninterrupted reading – even if it’s just for ten minutes.”
The news coincides with World Book and Copyright Day on April 23rd. First launched in 1995 by UNESCO, World Book Day aims to recognise the power of books as a bridge between generations and across cultures. The date coincides the anniversary of the death of William Shakespeare and Inca Garcilaso de la Vega, as well as that of the birth and death of several other prominent authors.
The charity marked World Book Night with a ‘mass read-in' at Waterstones in Bradford, where it gifted 1,000 ‘quick read’ books from author, Matt Cain. The organisation has stated that the event aims to “spark a national conversation about reclaiming reading time in an age of distraction”.
Quick Reads are short books designed to re-engage lapsed readers, particularly those who may challenge to remain focused on a longer text. Retailing at just £1 and gifted through libraries, food banks, shelters, and prisons. Since 2006, more than five million copies have been distributed.
The Reading Agency is also relaunching its Road to Reading national campaign this year, which supports people to read 30 minutes each week for ten weeks while providing a range of tips and guidance.
