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Press release:

Ref: OGI0186
2nd December 2009

Open GI Employees Celebrate 30 Years of Success

In a year of economic gloom and unemployment, two Open GI employees have bucked the trend, celebrating three decades of success at the UK and Ireland’s largest broker solutions provider.

Martin Pritchard and Pat Knapman began their careers at Open GI in 1979, the year the company was formed. Their dedication and hard work has seen them survive three recessions and witness a whole host of changes in the IT world. This week Open GI marked their success with a 30th anniversary presentation.

The presentation coincides with Open GI’s own 30th anniversary celebrations which have been running throughout the year.

Martin began life at Open GI as a Programmer, following 10 years working at IBM in London. In the early years he worked in a team of five in a small back office in Worcester city centre, developing what is now the UK and Ireland’s leading broker system, used by over 25,000 insurance professionals.

Reflecting on his time with Open GI, Martin said: “Many things change over the years but working with technology provides a unique insight into how far we have evolved in a relatively short period of time. When I first started with the company, computers were the size of filing cabinets and only able to perform basic functions. Now you can develop something 100 times more powerful to fit in the palm of your hand.”

Pat began her career at Open GI as Office Manager and has since moved on to become Commercial Manager. Pat has taken great pride in watching the company grow into one of the UK’s leading technology providers. She said: “Today the business is totally unrecognisable to the one we started 30 years ago. For the first few years we were struggling to make ends meet as most new businesses are. Now we turn over millions each year and support a workforce of over 300 people. Looking round the company now makes all the hard work in the early years worthwhile.”

Chris Guillaume, Managing Director, Open GI, said: “The success of Open GI as a business relies on the skills and dedication of our workforce. Martin and Pat’s length of service is testament to their ability and the added value they bring to the business. We are extremely proud to have such an experienced team and we hope to continue to support individual and collective success over the next 30 years.”

For More Information about Open GI:
Adele Clarkson
Marketing and PR Manager
Open GI
Tel: 01905 754455
email: adele.clarkson@opengi.co.uk

Notes to Editors:

Open GI supplies market leading IT solutions to insurance brokers across the UK & Ireland. With 20,000 users in around 2,000 firms, the company has a 40% share of the UK broker market and is committed to technological innovation. Open GI technology enables personal and commercial lines brokers trading in standard and niche markets to streamline business activity and become more profitable. With a workforce of 300 people and a 30-year heritage, the company enjoys a strong financial performance. For the year ended 31st May 2009 Open GI reported revenues of £32.0 million and an operating profit of £17.9 million.