Quadient has signed a collaboration with Lush UK to automate the retailer’s accounts payable operations. The project centres on Lush’s use of Quadient’s software alongside Xero.

Lush handles thousands of supplier invoices each month across its UK business. The retailer says the change has cut the time needed to process non-purchase-order invoices from 10 minutes to 4 minutes, while purchase-order invoices now take 2 to 3 minutes with automated approvals.

The system processes more than 4,000 invoices a month on a single platform. Previously, Lush used a mix of invoice processing and approval systems across its UK entities, forcing finance staff to switch between platforms and manually post invoices into accounting systems after approval.

That setup slowed processing and added manual work. The new arrangement brings invoice capture, validation, approval and posting into one platform integrated with Xero, which Lush has been standardising across its finance systems.

Finance shift

The move reflects a broader push among retail finance teams to automate routine back-office work as transaction volumes rise. Accounts payable has become a common target for software investment because it often still relies on manual data entry, disconnected approval chains and separate accounting tools.

For Lush, the implementation also addresses Goods Received Not Invoiced reporting, a finance control that tracks stock delivered but not yet billed by suppliers. The system gives finance teams a clearer way to track invoices through capture and approval while reducing manual intervention.

“We needed a scalable, reliable solution for complex accounts payable. Quadient’s seamless Xero integration and automation strengthened our workflows and efficiency, consolidating multiple systems and positioning us for growth,” said Mike West, Finance Director at Lush.

Quadient’s software includes purchase-order matching, custom workflows and automated data extraction. In practice, those functions are designed to reduce the need for staff to rekey information and shorten approval times for routine invoices.

Retail pressure

Retailers face particular pressure in accounts payable due to large supplier networks, frequent stock movements, and high invoice volumes. Finance teams also have to balance speed with control, especially where different legal entities or store operations have built up separate systems over time.

Lush, which is based in Poole, used the rollout as part of a wider finance standardisation around Xero. By linking accounts payable more closely to the accounting platform, the retailer aimed to simplify the path from invoice receipt to posting.

Quadient is one of many software providers targeting financial automation, an area attracting interest from businesses looking to reduce manual workloads and tighten governance. The market has expanded as cloud accounting systems have become more common and businesses seek better integration between front-end workflows and finance ledgers.

Stephanie Auchabie, Senior Vice President, Digital Sales, Partners and Customer Success for Europe at Quadient, said companies are increasingly focused on linking automation with finance system integration.

“As organisations modernise their finance operations, automation and system integration are becoming critical to improving efficiency, control and scalability,” said Auchabie. “By integrating seamlessly with Xero, Quadient AP enables finance teams to move away from fragmented, manual processes and toward a more intelligent, automated accounts payable workflow. We are delighted to support Lush as they standardise their finance systems and create a more streamlined, data-driven approach to managing supplier transactions.”

It was announced earlier this month that Pens Plus on High Street had been listed on the market for £170,000, with the leasehold property advertised on Rightmove.

The business has been trading since the late 1960s, with owners Paul Major and his wife Kay having taken it over in October 2019.

Specialist business property adviser, Christie & Co, has been instructed to market Pens Plus, and now Mr and Mrs Major have spoken out about the decision.

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Mr Major said: “Building this business has been one of the great privileges of my life.

“What began as a simple passion for fine writing instruments has grown into a brand with loyal customers both here in Oxford and around the world.

“I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved. As I move toward retirement, the time feels right to hand the business over as a thriving going concern.

“I’m confident that the right new owner will continue to nurture its potential and carry the company forward into its next successful chapter.”

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Markus Grun, a business agent at Christie & Co who is managing the sale, added: “This is a great opportunity to acquire a thriving business with international reach.

“We expect interest from heritage brand operators as well as retailers looking to diversify into the luxury stationery market.

“We encourage all interested parties to get in touch for further information about the opportunity.”

Pens Plus is on the market with an asking price of £170,000 plus stock at value for the leasehold.

Parcelhero has partnered with Royal Mail to add tracked delivery services to its parcel comparison platform, expanding the range of domestic and international shipping options available to customers.

The integration allows users to compare Royal Mail services alongside other carriers already listed on the platform, covering a wider range of delivery speeds and pricing tiers.

The rollout includes Royal Mail Tracked 24 and Tracked 48 services for UK deliveries.

Parcelhero said the services cover large letters up to 1kg, small parcels up to 2kg and medium parcels up to 20kg.

International tracked services have also been added. These include large letters up to 750g and small parcels up to 2kg.

The addition expands the types of shipments supported through the platform, including both lower-weight items and larger parcels.

The expanded coverage allows users to compare services across a broader range of delivery needs, from small personal items to higher-weight parcels.

Direct partnership

The agreement marks the first direct partnership between Parcelhero and Royal Mail.

Parcelhero has previously offered access to Parcelforce services, which operate within the Royal Mail Group, but had not directly integrated Royal Mail’s courier services until now.

“This is the first direct partnership between Parcelhero and Royal Mail, the UK’s largest provider of postal services, although Parcelhero has offered its customers the choice of Royal Mail’s express parcels service, Parcelforce, for many years,” said Roger Sumner-Rivers, Founder and CEO, Parcelhero.

Parcelhero customers can now organise a Royal Mail courier for exactly when they are needed. Whether it’s a letter or a 20kg shipment, senders can now compare Royal Mail’s fully tracked services directly against every other carrier, adding value and flexibility to their shipping choices. Many individuals and businesses are very familiar with Royal Mail’s services, and we are delighted to add these to our wide range of courier partners,” added Sumner-Rivers.

Service details

Parcelhero said customers booking Royal Mail services through its platform will have access to real-time parcel tracking and GBP £50 free protection on shipments.

The company said collections are available in selected commercial areas, and that Royal Mail drivers can bring shipping labels for customers who do not have printers.

Parcelhero also said customers using Royal Mail services through its platform can contact Royal Mail support directly if issues arise.

These features align with standard expectations for tracked delivery services, particularly for users managing shipments without access to dedicated fulfilment tools.

Market context

Royal Mail remains a core provider of postal and parcel delivery services across the UK, serving both individual senders and businesses.

Its inclusion on Parcelhero’s platform reflects continued demand for established delivery operators within comparison tools, where users weigh cost, delivery speed and service features across multiple providers.

Parcel comparison platforms have become more widely used by small businesses and individual senders seeking to manage delivery costs and access a wider range of services through a single interface.

The addition of Royal Mail extends Parcelhero’s carrier network and introduces a national postal operator into its comparison offering.

Platform update

The Royal Mail integration comes alongside the rollout of a new version of Parcelhero’s platform.

Parcelhero said the updated platform includes additional features for consumers and businesses using its delivery comparison and booking tools.

The Royal Mail agreement expands the tracked delivery services available through the platform and increases the number of carriers that users can assess when selecting shipping options.