Cash handling specialist Volumatic has welcomed the Bank of England’s decision to feature British wildlife on the next generation of UK banknotes, highlighting what the move means for retailers.
The announcement follows a public consultation held in 2025, where more than 60% of respondents selected ‘Nature’ as their preferred theme, with ‘wildlife native to the UK’ emerging as the most popular choice.
While the new designs mark a shift away from the historical figures that have appeared on banknotes for over 50 years, the Bank of England has also confirmed that the updated notes will incorporate enhanced anti-counterfeiting features – a key consideration for retailers handling cash.
Cash continues to play a significant role in UK retail, with around one in five consumers preferring it as a payment method, making compatibility with new banknote designs a key priority for store operators.
A second consultation is expected in summer 2026 to determine which specific wildlife will feature on the notes, with the final designs not expected to enter circulation for several years.
Commenting on the announcement, James Harris, Managing Director at Cash handling experts Volumatic, said: “Any update to UK banknotes is significant for the retail sector, particularly when it comes to security and day-to-day cash handling.
“The introduction of new designs, alongside enhanced anti-counterfeiting features, is a positive step but it also means retailers will need to ensure their cash handling equipment is fully prepared.
“We will work closely with the Bank of England to ensure our products, including the CCi and our range of CountEasy cash counting scales, are updated in line with the new notes.
“We will also be supporting our customers throughout the transition, providing guidance and updates to ensure their operations continue to run smoothly when the new banknotes are introduced.”
