Lush UK taps Quadient Accounts Payable automation software to boost cosmetics retailer's finance operations

Lush UK has selected Quadient’s Accounts Payable (AP) automation software as the cosmetics retailer looks to modernise and streamline its finance operations.

Lush processes thousands of supplier invoices monthly. By implementing Quadient’s AP automation software as part of its Xero standardisation, the company says that it has simplified invoice processing, enhanced controls and supported scaling finance operations.

Quadient AP, integrated with Xero, consolidates multiple legacy tools, enabling invoice capture, validation, approval and posting in one platform. Features include PO matching, custom workflows and automated data extraction for faster, secure processing.

Prior to deploying Quadient AP, Lush relied on a combination of different invoice processing and approval systems across its UK entities, requiring finance teams to switch between platforms and manually post invoices into accounting systems after approval.

It now processes over 4,000 invoices per month and has cut non-purchase order invoice processing time from ten to four minutes. Purchase order invoice processing takes two to three minutes using automated approvals.

“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,” says Mike West, Finance Director at Lush.

The implementation also supports Lush’s need to manage goods received not invoiced (GRNI) reporting, which tracks goods delivered but not yet invoiced, while maintaining stronger governance across its finance operations.

“As organisations modernise their finance operations, automation and system integration are becoming critical to improving efficiency, control and scalability,” says Stephanie Auchabie, Senior Vice President, Digital Sales, Partners and Customer Success for Europe at Quadient.

“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.”

2026 RTIH Innovation Awards

Automation will be a key focus area at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards are now open for entries and celebrate global retail technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our winners will be revealed at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards Ceremony, taking place at The HAC in Central London on Wednesday, 4th November.

Check out our 2025 winners here.

Our 2025 hall of fame entrants were revealed during a sold out event which took place at The HAC on 16th October and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by award winning comedian, actress and writer Tiff Stevenson.

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “This is the awards’ fifth year as a physical event. We started off with just 30 people at the South Place Hotel not far from here, then moved to London Bridge Hotel, then The Barbican, and last year RIBA’s HQ in the West End.”

“But I’m conscious of the fact that, to quote the legend that is Taylor Swift, You’re only as hot as your last hit, baby. So, this year we’ve moved to our biggest venue yet, and also pulled in our largest number of entries to date and broken attendance records.”

He added: “This year’s submissions have without doubt been our best yet. To quote one of the judges: The examples of innovative developments across both traditional and digital retail spaces were truly remarkable.”

Congratulations to our winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Tiff Stevenson, and all those who attended our 2025 gathering.