WH Smith travel arm boosts profits

WH Smith today said it was on course for strong results after an upbeat trading performance at airports, railway stations and motorway services.

The group’s travel division, which operates from 129 sites, achieved good progress in the year to August 31 as WH Smith said it would deliver group-wide annual profits towards the top end of market expectations.

The retailer described the performance of its core high street business as “solid”, helped by margin improvements and tight cost controls.