25 Jun 2012 16:14
Smiths News PLC
Smiths News wins major regional award
Smiths News PLC, the largest UK newspaper and magazine wholesaler and a leading UK book wholesaler, is pleased to announce it has won the PwC sponsored, West of England Business of the Year award for 2012.
This award recognises the operational excellence and consistent strategic progress of Smiths News PLC across the UK, in addition to its strength in and contribution to the West of England.
The recent acquisition of The Consortium, which is based in the South West, further adds to the Group's growing strength and future prospects, both regionally and across the UK.
Mark Cashmore, Chief Executive of Smith News PLC commented:
"It is a great honour to be recognised for our progress and contribution to the region. The award is an accolade for the business and endorsement of the skill and dedication of our staff across the Group."
Enquiries:
Smiths News PLC Mark Cashmore, Group Chief Executive Nick Gresham, Chief Financial Officer | 01793 563641
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Buchanan Jeremy Garcia / Mark Edwards | 020 7466 5000
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About Smiths News PLC:
Smiths News PLC comprises Smiths News, the UK's leading wholesaler of newspapers and magazines, Bertram Books, a leading UK book wholesaler and The Consortium, a leading independent distributor of consumable products to the education and care markets.
Smiths News distributes newspapers and magazines on behalf of all the major national publishers as well as a large number of regional publishers. The business serves approximately 30,000 customers across England and Wales, supplying large general retailers as well as smaller independent newsagents. Smiths News has an approximate 55% share of the newspaper and magazine wholesaling market in the UK. In addition to its distribution activities, Smiths News collects and processes returns, supplies sales information to publishers and provides a range of services for its retail customers.
Bertram Books supplies books to a mix of independent booksellers, on-line and multiple retailers, and libraries. Bertram has an approximate 45% share of the wholesale book market. In August 2011 the company acquired Dawson Holdings plc. The principal asset, Dawson Books is a leading supplier of academic books in the UK and internationally.
In April 2012 the company acquired The Consortium. The Consortium is the UK's leading distributor of educational and care consumable products servicing 25,000 customers. The business has a 6% market share in large and growing markets.