HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has finalised a four-year contract valued at £172.4 million with London consultancy Equal Experts in a move aimed at strengthening the tax authority’s data and technology capabilities.
The agreement, established in late November 2025, will see the supplier deliver key IT and professional services focused on data management across HMRC’s operations.
The initiative forms part of HMRC’s broader efforts to modernise its digital infrastructure and enhance service delivery for both internal and public-facing platforms.
HMRC enters multi-million pound agreement
On 26 November 2025, HMRC signed a significant contract with Equal Experts, a London-based digital consultancy. The deal, valued at £172.4 million, will run until November 2029.
The agreement was made through the Crown Commercial Service’s Big Data and Analytics framework, under the first lot dedicated to the design and delivery of data solutions. Equal Experts was selected from a group of 29 suppliers available within the framework.
Contract scope and vendor details
Equal Experts is tasked with providing “core outcome-based IT services” for HMRC. According to the published commercial notice, the consultancy will oversee aspects including data preparation, data management, and the management of data platform lifecycles.
These services aim to underpin HMRC’s ongoing use of big data to support its operational and analytical needs.
Key focus areas of the agreement
The contract specifically covers the provision of professional services grouped under core areas critical to HMRC’s data strategy. Equal Experts will focus on delivering support for the management and preparation of data and ensuring the sustained operation of key platforms.
The partnership is designed to facilitate the department’s transition towards enhanced digital services and improved analytics, with the aim of more efficient and effective tax administration.
Strategic context and recent developments
This latest contract reflects HMRC’s continued investment in digital transformation and infrastructure development. Earlier in the year, HMRC outlined plans for a new online portal enabling approximately 34 million taxpayers in the UK to access and update their PAYE tax information.
The department has also disclosed ambitions to improve its capability to analyse high-net-worth individuals and strengthen compliance operations, targeting an increase in taxable revenue.
Public engagement and data-sharing research
Six months prior to the new agreement, HMRC published findings from research commissioned by the government on public attitudes towards data-sharing. The survey revealed significant uncertainty among citizens regarding the use and sharing of personal information across government agencies.
According to HMRC’s summary, the topic remains sensitive, with a mix of reactions ranging from support for improved services to concerns over privacy and transparency.
Final Summary
The four-year agreement between HMRC and Equal Experts marks a considerable investment in the UK tax authority’s drive to strengthen its data and IT infrastructure. By appointing a specialist consultancy to oversee crucial areas such as data management and platform lifecycle support, HMRC aims to modernise its operations, enhance service delivery, and ensure more responsive digital services for both citizens and businesses.
The latest contract sits alongside several wider initiatives that collectively seek to advance the UK’s tax administration capability. For those interested in tracking major government contracts or data transformation projects, tools such as the Pie app may provide helpful updates and insights.
