Smiths News PLC announced that it has now additionally been awarded the exclusive distribution of News UK's titles across existing London distribution areas which News UK currently serves itself under its 'direct to retail' operations (a historic operation unique to News UK and which now sees News UK (like all other publishers) exclusively appoint wholesalers across all the UK for the first time). The new business secured within existing London distribution areas accounts for c.PS27m in current sales value per annum across c.2,500 London retailers who are already served by Smiths News with other publishers' titles. Smiths News expects to commence distribution to these retailers with effect from 13 November 2023.

As a result of this extended award, Smiths News is now contracted to distribute News UK titles across all of current distribution territories through to 2029. This award will also provide a material economic and operational benefit for the London retailers currently serve, reducing their overall costs of distribution and removing significant complexity from having two suppliers of newspapers within London.