News distribution specialist CM Downton has secured its first contract with Connect Group's Smiths News.
Smiths News, sister company to Tuffnells Parcel Express, has a 55% market share of the news distribution industry.
Downton's contract with the group will see the operator perform multiple daily trunks of magazines between a Smiths News magazine hub in Hemel Hempstead and depots in Stevenage and Hornsey.
Downton said its experience in the print sector helped it secure the deal in a competitive tender.
While this is Downton's first direct contract with Smiths News, the operator has previously worked delivering materials to its depots for other clients in the print industry.
David Hutchings, CM Downton's head of business development, said: “We support many businesses throughout the south east and have a significant fleet in the region which has allowed us to configure this additional contract into our existing operations while also identifying cost benefits for the customer.
"Hemel Hempstead is close to our own facility in Dunstable which enables us to offer local support whenever it’s needed."
The contract commenced this month.
