The next four issues of BACKPASS (Nos. 63 – out now – 64, 65 and 66) are not likely to be as freely available in some WH Smith stores as in the past, mainly down to the fact that we have been forced to reduce our substantial promotional spend with the retail outlet.

It is not our desire to disappear from WH Smith shops altogether and this is not a decision that has been taken lightly … BACKPASS will still be available in independent shops (and Easons in Ireland) and we are exploring other avenues as well. Remember you can place a regular order for BACKPASS at any newsagent’s shop in the UK.

BACKPASS continues to receive so much positive feedback – in fact more than ever before – but like a lot of small niche publishers, paying a hefty amount of money for retail shelf space remains a cause for concern.

What keeps the magazine viable is our loyal band of subscribers (thanks to all those who have renewed their subscription for 2019) so the best way you can support the magazine, and help ensure its long-term future is a healthy one, is to subscribe. It only costs £18 to subscribe for the next four issues – which is cheaper than buying it in the shops and we pay the postage too.