Press release —
Post Office partners with Accenture to modernise technology across branch network
Post Office has today announced that it has signed a contract with Accenture as part of its five‑year Transformation Plan. As part of the ongoing programme to replace Horizon and modernise technology across the branch network, Accenture will work closely with Post Office and Fujitsu to take over the operation of the Horizon system. The standstill period for Lot 2 has been extended.
Accenture was chosen following a rigorous procurement process and brings strong experience in managing complex exits and transitions.
Post Office CEO Neil Brocklehurst set out a five-year transformation plan in 2024 to deliver a digitally enabled, more sustainable business. Modernising technology in Post Office branches and throughout the organisation is a crucial part of this plan and will better support postmasters and partners to sell products and deliver services to communities across the UK. The award of this contract will play a critical role in underpinning this transformation.
Neil Brocklehurst, Post Office CEO, said: “Signing this contract is a major milestone in transforming Post Office and a significant moment for our organisation. I am pleased to partner with Accenture as we phase out Horizon and upgrade our branch technology.
“Moving on from Horizon is about more than replacing technology. It’s about building a flexible, resilient and trusted system that supports postmasters, strengthens our partnerships, and improves the customer experience. The benefits of this investment will be felt across the organisation, helping us become a more modern, sustainable and commercially strong Post Office.”
Matt Prebble, Head of Accenture in the UK & Ireland, said: “We recognise the responsibility this transformation carries for postmasters, Post Office and the communities they support every day. Our focus is on a safe, well-managed transition and helping shape a future-ready system that works for branches and the communities that rely on them.”
Post Office, together with Accenture, is focused on delivering long-term value for postmasters and communities whilst also minimising its environmental footprint. Social value was embedded in the procurement, with a percentage of the overall score based on social value criteria to ensure this opportunity goes beyond operational delivery to create meaningful, lasting impact for postmasters and partners and boosts sustainability across the Post Office network.
Next Steps
In the coming weeks, Post Office will begin a ‘discovery phase’ with Accenture to agree detailed plans and timelines for transition. Fujitsu will continue to support the Horizon system during the transition until the formal exit timeline is agreed. The priority is to maintain continuity of service and minimise disruption. Postmasters and partners will be kept informed as plans develop.
What this means
- There are no immediate changes for postmasters, partners or customers
- Day‑to‑day operations remain the same
- The transition will be carefully managed, with continuity as the priority.
Categories
About the Post Office
- With over 11,500 branches, Post Office has the biggest retail network in the UK, with more branches than all the banks and building societies combined.
- Post Office is helping anyone who wants cash to get it whichever way is most convenient. Partnership with over 30 banks, building societies and credit unions means that 99% of UK bank customers can access their accounts at their Post Office.
- Cash withdrawals, deposits and balance enquiries can be made securely and conveniently over the counter at any Post Office; and the biggest investment by any organisation or company in the last decade is being made to safeguard 1,400 free-to-use ATMs across the UK.
- Post Office is simplifying its proposition for Postmasters with a focus on its cash and banking; mails and parcels; foreign exchange; and; bill payments services.
- Research has found that visits to the Post Office help drive another 400 million visitors to other shops, restaurants and local businesses equating to an estimated £1.1 billion in additional revenue for High Street businesses.
- 99.7% of the population live within three miles of a Post Office; and 4,000 branches are open seven days a week.
