News release
The Bank has decided to extend its contract with De La Rue to operate the printing facility at Debden, Essex until 2028. The current contract came into effect in April 2015, and was due to expire in 2025. The contract provided for the option of a three year extension. The decision to exercise the extension option was approved by the Bank’s Court of Directors.
Sarah John, Bank of England Chief Cashier, said, “The relationship with De La Rue is an important one for the Bank of England. During the course of the current contract, we have worked closely together to launch three new banknote designs on polymer. In 2021, the release of the new Alan Turing £50 note will complete our polymer set. We are very pleased to announce the extension of the contract today, which will enable us to continue to develop our Debden facility as a global centre of excellence for banknote printing.”
Notes to Editors
- De La Rue are the sole printers of Bank of England banknotes at the Bank’s facility in Debden, having entered into a contract for 10 years plus an optional 3 years which commenced in April 2015.
- There are over 4.4 billion Bank of England notes in circulation. Together they are worth about £82 billion.
- The polymer £5 note, featuring Winston Churchill, was first issued on 13 September 2016. The polymer £10, featuring Jane Austen, was first issued on 14 September 2017. The polymer £20, featuring JMW Turner, was issued on 20 February 2020. The new £50 featuring Alan Turing will be launched in 2021.
- More information on Bank of England banknotes
- For further enquiries, please contact the Bank’s Press Office on 020 7601 4411.
