Ernie Barnett, alongside his late wife Margaret, took on St Andrew’s Bookshop in April 1977, beginning a journey that has made the shop a cornerstone of Christian bookselling in the UK. Though he may have handed over the reins to his son Steve in 1993, Ernie remains very much part of the bookshop, faithfully wrapping up mail orders each day.

Beyond books, Ernie has spent much of his life as an itinerant preacher within the Methodist circuit. Despite his best efforts to step down (several times!), he’s still called upon to preach—proof that some retirements just won’t stick!

Steve Barnett took on the role of Managing Director in 1993, steering the company through global financial crashes, a pandemic, and more than a few flooded bookshop tents at festivals and conferences. Through it all, he has upheld the bookshop’s mission of providing Christian resources that inspire, equip, and encourage people in their faith.