Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteFujitsu’s reported reason for believing it is well placed to bid for HMRC’s next Trader Support Service (TSS) contract is its experience as the current supplier—not any confirmed preferential treatment. In a meeting with staff, Fujitsu’s head of UK public sector, Dave Riley, reportedly said the company had a “unique point of view” on the service’s next generation. The remarks came amid scrutiny of Fujitsu over the Post Office Horizon scandal, but they do not establish that HMRC favoured the company or that it won the contract.
What Fujitsu said about its position
Computer Weekly reported on 11 February 2025 that Riley told colleagues Fujitsu had been invited to take part in the competitive tender and that the government knew it planned to bid. The report quoted him saying: “I think we have a unique point of view, given that we’re the current incumbent, in how we approach the next generation.”
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
![Panasonic Let's note FV4 - 14' Notebook - QHD - Intel Core i7 13th Gen i7-1370P - vPro Technology - 32 GB RAM - 512 GB SSD - English [US] Keyboard - TAA Compliant](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/413Yz1qmnUL._SL160_.jpg)
|
Panasonic Let's note FV4 - 14" Notebook - QHD - Intel Core i7 13th Gen i7-1370P - vPro Technology -... | $1,799.00 | Buy on Amazon |
That is Riley’s reported assessment of Fujitsu’s position. Being the incumbent can mean familiarity with a service’s operations and user needs, but the comment is not evidence that HMRC promised the company an advantage, set the tender in its favour or selected it.
What the Trader Support Service does
The TSS is a free HMRC-procured service for traders moving goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. HMRC’s official contract notice describes an end-to-end customs support package, including education and help related to arrangements for moving goods into Northern Ireland. Its successor tender notice describes a digital portal, self-service guidance and specialist customs support.
#1 Best Overall
- Power and Performance Meet Portability
- Tackles Demanding Tasks with Ease: Powered by a 13th gen Intel Core i7 processor, with up to 32GB of RAM and a 512GB OPAL SSD
- Enhanced Viewing Experience: 14” QHD display, featuring a 3:2 aspect ratio, boosts productivity whether you’re in the office or on the go
- Advanced Features: AI noise-reduction microphones, a uniquely designed trackpad, and IR face recognition ensure you stay connected, efficient, and secure
- Up to 10 Hours Battery Life: With long battery life and user-replaceable battery, the Let’s note FV4 keeps you productive through the workday without needing to recharge
Why HMRC extended the existing contract
HMRC awarded the original TSS contract to Fujitsu Services Limited in 2020. A September 2024 modification notice recorded an original contract value of £241 million and extended the service through 31 December 2025. HMRC said it needed time to implement and stabilise Windsor Framework arrangements, and cited the risks of service disruption or duplicated transition costs as reasons for the extension.
Those reasons explain the extension of the existing arrangement; they do not establish the criteria HMRC would use to evaluate the successor tender. Incumbency may offer operational insight, while a competitive procurement is intended to consider bids for the replacement service. The two facts should not be treated as proof either of an unfair advantage or of a level playing field in practice.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How the Post Office scandal relates to the bid
Computer Weekly placed Riley’s remarks against scrutiny of Fujitsu’s role in the Post Office Horizon scandal. The report said Fujitsu had pledged in January 2024 to pause bidding for new government work until the statutory inquiry completed its work, while excluding work for existing public-sector customers. That was a company bidding pause, not a government procurement rule; it does not by itself determine whether Fujitsu could participate in this tender.
Computer Weekly said HMRC had not responded by publication time to a question about Fujitsu’s ability to bid. It also quoted an HMRC spokesperson on disclosure practices: “We follow government procurement rules when awarding contracts and, once contracts are approved, we publish details on Contracts Finder irrespective of the award route or supplier.” That statement describes HMRC’s stated approach; it is not a finding about this tender’s outcome.
Recommended Free Tools
What is known about the next contract
The 2025 HMRC tender notice describes the successor service and gives an estimated total value of £370 million excluding VAT. This is a procurement estimate, not a confirmed award value. The available official records do not establish who won the successor contract, when it was awarded or its final value.
For readers checking the outcome, the relevant record is HMRC’s published award information on Find a Tender or Contracts Finder. Until an award notice confirms the supplier, Riley’s reported comments show Fujitsu intended to bid and considered incumbency useful; they do not show that the company won.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
