PRH extends Grantham Book Services site lease until 2029

Penguin Random House UK has extended its lease on its Grantham Book Services distribution site until 2029.

Speaking at an event on for publishing clients of the Grantham centre, PRH UK c.e.o. Tom Weldon emphasised the company’s continued commitment to provide industry-leading distribution services for its publishing clients.

The Grantham Book Services distribution site (GBS) is also the leading third party distributor for independent publishers in the UK. PRH UK has extended the lease on the centre for another decade and Faber will continue its partnership with GBS as its book distributor.

"Talking of the shifting distribution landscape – from an increasingly complex supply chain to greater competition in the marketplace – Weldon reiterated the importance of adapting to remain at the forefront of these changes to add value for clients," PRH said.

The event, held at the British Medical Association House in central London on Wednesday 6th November, was a celebration of the ongoing partnership between PRH Distribution and more than 40 independent publishers who use its distribution services in Grantham, supported and attended by numerous leading industry figures. Weldon spoke of the strength of PRH's partnership with these publishers and the "unique opportunity to use this collective strength to champion and support individual business needs".

Weldon said: “For over 50 years, we have been proud to lead independent publisher distribution, during which time we have seen millions of your books pass through our hands. As passionate supporters of the richness and diversity independent publishing brings, we are proud to support each and every one of you with reaching readers around the world and feel truly excited about the future.”

Speaking of the partnership, Faber c.e.o. Stephen Page said: “We're delighted to continue our close partnership with GBS, and welcome the strong backing Penguin Random House are giving to third party distribution, and thereby support to the role played by independent publishers. Our book trade customers around the world recognise the excellence of service the GBS team offer, and so we are delighted that they remain a vital part of our business as we plan for continued success in the future.”

PRH is also taking steps to improve its practices around sustainability. In a statement, PRH said: "In support of this, PRH will invest further in its supply chain and its buildings, systems and people in Grantham, whilst also continuing to make sustainability a key priority. This year Penguin Random House Distribution has had a strong focus on making its supply chain and warehouse operations more sustainable in both its Grantham and Frating sites, including achieving a significant reduction in single-use plastic used to transport books, and a move to a renewable energy provider." The announcement comes two months after the publisher revealed that distribution has been a major focus around its sustainability improvements.

PRH Distribution sees more than 140 million books and products distributed annually through GBS as well as its warehouse in Frating, Colchester. GBS distributes books for over 40 independent publishers, including Bonnier, Lonely Planet, Walker Books, PGUK, Canongate, Profile and other members of the Alliance, amongst others.