Smiths News is a distributor of newspapers, magazines, books and consumables, headquartered in Swindon, England. The company, originally known as 'WHSmith News' was created and renamed Smiths News PLC on 1 September 2006 from the demerger of W H Smith plc. In April 2014, Smiths News PLC rebranded as Connect Group PLC to reflect the diversity of the Group's markets.
The Group purchased Tuffnells Parcels Express in late 2014 for more than £100m but sold it in 2020 for £15m after several years of poor performance under the group's stewardship.
In October 2020 Connect Group PLC reverted to Smiths News PLC signalling a return to the company's core competence and expertise. Smiths News PLC comprises: Smiths News, the UK's largest newspaper and magazine wholesaler; Dawson Media Direct, international media supplier to airlines and travel points; Instore, specialists in field-based marketing and supply chain auditing; Martin Lavell, leading corporate news distributor.