French IT services company Atos has secured a £150m contract to upgrade the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs’ (DEFRA’s) service desk and end user services. Over the next five years, Atos will work to transform service desk operations into a seamless, agile service, by leveraging the latest in AI, machine learning, analytics, and automation.
The transformation is expected to enhance the quality and efficiency of DEFRA’s service desk, which manages 34,000 users. It will also position the department as the most eco-friendly digital workplace solution within the UK government.
Atos will work with the partners to focus on repairing and refurbishment of hardware, reducing the environmental impact of packaging and deliveries, and arranging for the donation of surplus devices to charitable organisations and social enterprises.
“We are delighted to be working with DEFRA on their end-user services enabling their team to concentrate on the important work they deliver,” said Atos Group UK&I head Michael Herron. “We have a track record of success in this area providing best-in-class services supported by cutting-edge technology platforms that focus on people, planet and productivity.”
Atos’ solutions and financial revitalisation efforts
Atos provides digital workplace solutions that enhance employee experience through digital collaboration and productivity tools, as well as intelligent customer care services. The company’s sustainable digital workplace suite includes over 20 ‘Tech for Good’ services, focusing on social value, accessibility, data analytics, and user interface design.
Beyond its engagement with DEFRA, Atos is also a key IT service provider for the UK’s National Health Service (NHS).
The company reported a revenue decline in 2024, with figures falling 5.4% to €9.57bn and missing the forecast of €9.7bn. The dip was attributed to contract terminations and challenging market conditions. However, Atos reported a late-year recovery in order intake following restructuring efforts, which have improved client confidence and stabilised its financial standing.
Recently, the French firm executed a reverse stock split in an effort to rebuild investor trust amid a failed pivot to the cloud. This consolidation has transformed every 10,000 old shares, each with a nominal value of €0.0001, into one new share valued at €1.
“Given the number of Atos shares issued during the capital increases carried out as part of the company’s accelerated safeguard plan and the low share value, the reverse stock split aims to restore a normal number of shares, reduce share price volatility and support a new stock market dynamic,” Atos said in a statement.
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