Lush, the global cosmetics retailer known for its fresh, handmade products and ethical sourcing, is streamlining its financial operations with the help of automation software from Quadient. The UK-based arm of the company is implementing Quadient’s Accounts Payable (AP) automation platform to modernize invoice processing, improve financial controls, and support its continued growth. This move reflects a broader trend among businesses to leverage technology to enhance efficiency and scalability in finance departments.
The partnership, announced today, addresses a common challenge for growing companies: managing an increasing volume of supplier invoices although maintaining accuracy and control. Lush, which processes thousands of invoices each month, previously relied on a fragmented system of different invoice processing and approval tools across its UK entities. This created inefficiencies, requiring finance teams to switch between platforms and manually enter data into accounting systems. The transition to Quadient AP is part of a larger effort to standardize Lush’s financial systems around Xero, a popular cloud-based accounting software.
Quadient AP integrates directly with Xero, consolidating invoice capture, validation, approval workflows, and posting into a single platform. Key features include automated purchase order (PO) matching, customizable approval routes, and intelligent data extraction, all designed to accelerate processing and reduce manual errors. According to Quadient, the software is designed to reduce friction and waste, allowing businesses to focus on core operations and customer connections.
The benefits of the recent system are already apparent. Lush reports a significant reduction in invoice processing times. Non-purchase order invoices, which previously took an average of 10 minutes to process, now seize just 4 minutes. Purchase-order invoices are even faster, taking only 2 to 3 minutes with automated approvals. This represents a substantial time savings for Lush’s finance team, allowing them to focus on more strategic tasks.
“We needed a scalable, reliable solution for complex accounts payable,” said Mike West, Finance Director at Lush, in a statement. “Quadient’s seamless Xero integration and automation strengthened our workflows and efficiency, consolidating multiple systems and positioning us for growth.” West’s comments highlight the importance of integration with existing systems and the demand for solutions that can adapt to a company’s evolving needs.
Improving Financial Governance with GRNI Reporting
Beyond simply speeding up invoice processing, the Quadient AP implementation also supports Lush’s need for robust Goods Received Not Invoiced (GRNI) reporting. GRNI tracking is crucial for maintaining accurate financial records and ensuring that the company is only paying for goods it has actually received. By automating invoice capture and approvals, Quadient AP provides greater visibility into the GRNI process, reducing the risk of discrepancies and improving overall financial governance.
GRNI reporting is a common challenge for businesses, particularly those with complex supply chains. Without a streamlined system, it can be difficult to track goods received but not yet invoiced, leading to potential overpayments or missed liabilities. Automating this process helps companies maintain tighter control over their finances and ensure compliance with accounting standards.
The Rise of AP Automation and System Integration
Quadient’s work with Lush is indicative of a broader trend toward automation and system integration in finance departments. Stephanie Auchabie, Senior Vice President, Digital Sales, Partners and Customer Success for Europe at Quadient, emphasized the importance of these trends. “As organisations modernise their finance operations, automation and system integration are becoming critical to improving efficiency, control and scalability,” she said. “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.”
The demand for AP automation is being driven by several factors, including the increasing complexity of supply chains, the need to reduce costs, and the desire to improve accuracy and compliance. Companies are looking for solutions that can automate repetitive tasks, eliminate manual errors, and provide greater visibility into their financial processes. Integration with existing accounting systems, such as Xero, is a key requirement for many businesses.
Quadient’s Broader Focus on Digital Transformation
Quadient, a company listed on Euronext Paris (QDT) and part of the CAC® Mid & Small and CAC Technology indices, offers a range of automation solutions beyond accounts payable. The company focuses on human-centered, AI-driven automation for business communications, serving over 350,000 customers globally. Their offerings span finance automation, mail and parcel management, and other areas where businesses are seeking to improve efficiency and reduce costs. Learn more about Quadient’s solutions on their website.
The company’s broader strategy is centered around helping businesses reduce friction and waste, allowing them to focus on growth and customer relationships. This aligns with the growing emphasis on digital transformation and the need for companies to adapt to a rapidly changing business environment.
Looking ahead, Lush will continue to refine its utilize of Quadient AP and explore other ways to leverage automation to improve its financial operations. The company’s commitment to ethical sourcing and sustainability, combined with its embrace of innovative technologies, positions it well for continued success in the competitive cosmetics market. Quadient will continue to support Lush in its efforts to streamline processes and enhance financial governance. The next step for Lush will be a full review of the first quarter’s data to assess the full impact of the new system on key performance indicators.
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