Karen is a former primary school teacher, having spent 12 years working mainly as a primary school teacher in a local school. Before that, she had a varied career in industry with roles covering everything from a floor manager in Boots to being BT's first female field manager.

Karen's role at Simply Books is varied, heading up the day to day running of the bookshop to leading on our extensive work with schools.

Ben has had a variety of roles in his relatively short career, including training to be a teacher, most of which has been spent running his own businesses- everything from a sports coaching company he launched at 16, to How Novel which became one of the UK's leading book subscription.

At Simply Books, Ben runs everything on the business side of the operation. Everything from securing authors events to keeping the lights on, is his domain.

Jess graduated with a degree in Psychology and Criminology, before working as a specialist teaching assistant for children with SEND. She found this so rewarding that, from September, she will be training to be a primary school teacher- joining what is becoming the family trade!

At the shop, Jess leads on our visual merchandising using her creative flair, and also leads on our children's workshops and sessions.