For decades, Bertrams Books was a name known to booksellers, libraries, and educational institutions across the UK and beyond. As one of the largest book wholesalers in the United Kingdom, Bertrams played a crucial role in the supply chain of literature. But in recent years, the name has faded from the industry, leaving many to wonder—what happened to Bertrams Books?
In this article, we explore the rise and fall of Bertrams Books, what made it special, its impact on the book trade, and answer frequently asked questions for those curious about its history and legacy.
A Brief History of Bertrams Books
Founded in 1968 by Elsie Bertram and her son Kip, Bertrams Books began in a chicken shed in Norwich, England. What started as a small family business soon grew into one of the UK’s most respected book wholesalers.
The company’s model was simple yet effective: provide fast, reliable distribution of books to retailers, libraries, and academic institutions. With a massive warehouse of stocked titles and an efficient ordering system, Bertrams allowed independent bookstores to compete with larger retailers by offering them access to a wide variety of books—often with next-day delivery.
By the 1990s, Bertrams was a dominant force in the industry, second only to Gardners in scale. Its reputation was built on:
- Wide selection of titles
- Fast delivery services
- Excellent trade relationships
- Support for independent booksellers
The Decline of Bertrams
Despite its strong foundations, Bertrams Books experienced a turbulent journey in the 21st century. After being sold to Woolworths Group in 2007, things started to shift. The collapse of Woolworths in 2008 had a domino effect, pushing Bertrams into administration by early 2009.
Though the company was bought and revived multiple times, including by Smiths News (now Connect Group) and Aurelius Investments, financial struggles persisted. By June 2020, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, Bertrams again entered administration.
This time, the impact was severe:
- Over 450 employees were affected.
- Many independent bookshops and publishers were left unpaid.
- Supply chain disruptions hit educational and library sectors.
By the end of 2020, Bertrams had ceased operations, marking the end of an era.
Why Did Bertrams Matter?
Even after its closure, Bertrams Books is remembered fondly in the book trade. It represented a time when independent retailers thrived with the support of reliable distribution partners. It also stood as a reminder of how fragile the publishing and book retail ecosystem can be when large wholesalers fail.
Key contributions include:
- Supporting indie bookshops through competitive wholesale pricing.
- Making out-of-print and backlist titles easily accessible.
- Providing library and academic orders at scale.
What Replaced Bertrams?
After Bertrams shut down, other players like Gardners Books, Nielsen, and direct publisher distribution channels filled the gap. Many small retailers switched to Gardners, while libraries turned to specialized suppliers for educational and academic materials.
Digital platforms like Amazon have also grown in prominence, although they do not cater to trade buyers in the same way Bertrams once did.
FAQs About Bertrams Books
Q1: What was Bertrams Books known for?
A: Bertrams Books was known for being one of the UK’s top book wholesalers. It supplied books to bookstores, schools, and libraries with fast, reliable service and a wide selection of titles.
Q2: Is Bertrams Books still in business?
A: No. Bertrams Books entered administration in June 2020 and ceased operations shortly after. Its assets were sold off, and the company no longer functions as a wholesaler.
Q3: Who owned Bertrams before it shut down?
A: At the time of its final closure in 2020, Bertrams was owned by the private equity firm Aurelius Group, which had acquired it from Connect Group (formerly Smiths News).
Q4: Why did Bertrams fail?
A: Several factors led to Bertrams’ failure, including:
- Financial instability after multiple ownership changes
- The collapse of key retail partners (like Woolworths)
- Increasing competition from online retailers
- The COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on book sales and logistics
Q5: What happened to Bertrams employees and clients?
A: Over 450 employees lost their jobs. Many independent publishers and bookstores were left with unpaid invoices, causing financial hardship across the industry.
Q6: What are the alternatives to Bertrams today?
A: The primary UK-based book wholesaler today is Gardners Books, which serves a similar market. Libraries and educational institutions also work with companies like Askews, Peters, and Bibliographic Data Services (BDS).
Q7: Can I still order books through Bertrams?
A: No. Bertrams Books no longer accepts or processes orders. If you’re looking for book distribution services, you’ll need to go through other wholesalers or publishers directly.
Q8: Are Bertrams’ services missed in the industry?
A: Yes. Many independent booksellers and librarians considered Bertrams a vital part of the UK’s literary infrastructure. Its absence left a noticeable gap, especially for those who valued competitive pricing and large inventory access.
Final Thoughts
The story of Bertrams Books is both inspiring and cautionary. From humble beginnings in a chicken shed to becoming one of Britain’s top book wholesalers, it was a business built on passion, efficiency, and trust. But rapid changes in ownership, market disruption, and economic downturns ultimately brought it down.
Though Bertrams is gone, its legacy lives on in the memories of booksellers and readers who relied on it for decades. It serves as a reminder of how deeply connected the publishing world is—and how important it is to support independent distributors and bookshops in today’s digital age.
