The NFRN is bringing wholesalers together for a newspaper-industry summit event this month, to discuss ways to protect the news supply chain. 

Senior representatives from Smiths News and Menzies Distribution have confirmed their attendance at the meeting being held in London on 16 February. 

NFRN national president Narinder Randhawa, vice president Jason Birks, deputy vice president Shahid Razzaq, head of news Brian Murphy and news operations manager Pete Williamson will be representing the trade body. 

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Topping the agenda is the sustainability of the supply chain, and the NFRN is keen to explore ways in which all parties can work together to safeguard the future of print. 

Murphy said: “We look forward to welcoming decision-makers from the news industry to our forum to discuss the issues facing all sides of the supply chain and to explore ways in which we can overcome them. 

“Through our ProPrint strategy and working with publishers and news wholesalers, we want to protect and promote the printed word, improving access to newspapers and magazines for independent retailers. 

“While newspaper sales are declining, the category is still worth £2bn, and the publications drive footfall into members’ stores on a daily basis. That’s why many independent retailers are still passionate about this category.”