Connect Books' revenue up 1.2% in last quarter

Tough conditions in UK libraries and international markets led Connect Books’ total revenue to decline by 0.8% in the last quarter, however sales were up 1.2% on a like-for-like basis.

Connect Books, which comprises of wholesaler Bertrams, Dawson Books, Wordery and Houtschild, said that it increased like-for-like revenues by 1.2% in the 19 weeks to 9th January through a “sustained focus on more profitable contracts as part of the efforts to reduce costs and increase margins.”

The company added: “Ongoing significant growth in Wordery and a good performance in wholesale were offset by continuing tough conditions in UK libraries and international markets.”

Overall the Connect Group saw total revenues increase by 6.4% in the quarter compared with the same period last year, although group like-for-like revenues decreased 2.3%.

The Connect Group also announced it had signed up online fashion retailer Asos to become its second Pass My Parcel customer, the company’s click and collect service. The group’s first customer was Amazon, announced in October 2014.

In September, Wordery became wholly-owned by Connect Books when its founders, including c.e.o Will Jones, sold their 49% stake in the company.