Who We Are
Holding 55% of the market share, Smiths News plc operate seven days a week, delivering and collecting newspapers, magazines, products, and other services to more than 22,000 outlets—typically arriving well before 6:30 a.m.
From superstores to travel outlets, to small rural convenience shops, we are proud to provide a high-quality service for all our customers, whether their business be big or small. Our long-standing relationships with both publishers and retailers make us an essential link in the supply chain.
Through our extensive network, we offer a shared route to market that is flexible, cost efficient and timely – backed by service guarantees and added value services that are founded on our bespoke systems and technology. Our network is shaped by the distribution contracts we hold with all the major UK publishers. With strong coverage of the major conurbations, we operate in defined territories across England and Wales
Smiths News Recycle is our flagship recycling service. Using our established network of early morning deliveries, we collect dry waste materials on a daily basis, allowing customers to focus on their core business, sure in the knowledge that their materials are processed to accredited standards . Click here to find out more.
Our Vision and Purpose
Our vision, strategy and business statements are founded on our long-established leadership in news wholesaling, but are also focused on the future – the ambition they encompass reflects the progress of the business and the opportunities to expand in complementary markets.
Our vision statement describes the direction we are headed. It is grounded in our business model and competitive advantage, and as such it acts as a compass bearing for our strategy and plans.
Our purpose statement describes the role we play and the difference we make to our customers and the wider supply chain.
Our Culture
Working together in a supportive culture is the foundation of our success.
At Smiths News, our colleagues are at the heart of everything we do. We firmly believe that their involvement and engagement are crucial to our success. As a business, we are committed to creating an environment where everyone can flourish. We value our people not only for what they do but also for who they are.
Inclusion and diversity play a central role in our culture. Through our employee-led ‘Everyone In’ initiative and our newly forming colleague networks, we actively promote and encourage diversity. Together, we’re shaping a culture that embraces individuals from all backgrounds, experiences, and orientations. Our goal is to add value to our organisation while enhancing employee well-being and engagement.
Our Engagement Results
Every 6 months we invite our colleagues to participate in an engagement survey
Our Other Businesses
Through our three ancillary businesses we strengthen our leading position by offering services that further enhance our core skills and capabilities.
DMD is a specialist supplier of printed and digital media to airlines and travel points throughout the UK and worldwide.
Instore works with retailers, suppliers and publishers providing field-based merchandising and marketing, supply chain auditing and compliance solutions.
Martin Lavell is a leading corporate news distributor, supplying newspapers and magazines to corporate and public sector customers for the past 50 years.
Our Timeline
Since 1792 we have continued to grow, evolve and adapt.
While we are rich in heritage, we are always looking to the future, constantly seeking to add value and provide solutions for our client publishers and retail customers. This focus on excellence and improvement has always been central to our strategy – and it remains so today.
