batch.co.uk 
Origins
The company has its origins in a business set up thirty years ago in Tonbridge, Kent by the 'Hooks Bookshops' chain to handle their direct mail fulfilment. Eddington Hook Distribution (as it was then called) grew into a substantial business supplying set texts to the Open University student body. The Vale Road warehouse was opened and Eddington Hook Distribution began offering its services to small and medium-size book publishers who did not have the critical mass necessary to justify their own distribution operation. Some of our existing clients have been with us since those very early days.
Combined Book Services
Combined Book Services (CBS) was founded in 1988. Shortly after its formation, it merged with Eddington Hook Distribution. Eddington Hook then became a client and was purchased by CBS in 2005.
It is now the bookselling arm of CBS and has been supplying Open University Set books to students since 1971. In March 2011 its new website was launched with additional bookshops specialising in Cookery, Sports and Travel, www.eddingtonhook.com.
Paddock Wood Distribution Centre
In 2011, following the acquisition of new lists, CBS moved to a larger warehouse on the Paddock Wood Distribution Centre allowing space for further expansion.
This large trading estate is based in the heart of Kent and is close to both the M25 (Junction 5) and M20 (Junctions 2 & 4), and is only 50 minutes by train from Central London.
Computer Systems
CBS has developed its system using Sweetens software for over 20 years, their Open Imprint package is designed with ease of use and rapid processing of data in mind. Sweetens have concentrated on a number of vital areas in the package such as high speed invoicing, flexible accounting, report management and software integration. These factors together with the wide range of optional modules will furnish the client with an efficient and powerful solution at all levels.
Publishing Background
TThe directors of CBS have been with the company since 1998 and have over 40 years combined experience in the book distribution industry. Allan Smith previously worked at Exel Logistics for 11 years and Keith Neale spent over 15 years at Vale Packaging.
CBS has a loyal & dedicated workforce and employs around 20 members of staff in total, many of which have been with the company for over 10 years. We pride ourselves on offering a personal and friendly service to our publishers and customers. Our approach is flexible and we listen carefully to our clients needs.
