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Press release:

Ref: OGI0280
15th August 2011

New Car Park Accommodates Expansion at Open GI

Open GI Expansion. From left to right: Chris Guillaume, Councillor Simon Geraghty, Cassie Bray and Nicola Griffiths.

Leading Worcester Technology Company, Open GI, has completed work in less than six months on a new company car park to add 71 new spaces to cater for the ever expanding workforce.

Open GI has been located at its canal-side offices in Warndon, Worcestershire for the last 23 years, during which time the staff total has increased four-fold from just 75 to over 350 employees.

A combination of 20 native trees, including Ash and Field Maple, has been planted to surround the new development.

Councillor Simon Geraghty, Leader of the City Council, Worcester, said: "This is a great example of how local government can work with the private sector to solve problems facing businesses. This new development will enable Open GI’s workforce to comfortably expand to facilitate more technical employment opportunities in Worcester, whilst easing parking congestion with neighbouring businesses."

Cassie Bray, from the Chamber of Commerce said: “By working collaboratively with the City Council, Open GI were able to complete this development in less than 6 months from conception to delivery. This illustrates how the City Council is keen to respond to the economic development needs of businesses in the area.

“The Chamber of Commerce has played a key role in engaging the local business community to understand their needs in relation to parking around the business park

This is part of a shared vision between the Chamber and the local Authorities to remove barriers to growth for businesses such as Open GI and to encourage job creation and economic prosperity within the county."

Commenting on the Development, Chris Guillaume, Managing Director, Open GI, said: “Many of our employees actively car share with colleagues, but as an ever expanding company, many staff members were parking on surrounding roads of the Industrial Park, outside other local businesses. This, in turn, has led to congestion in the area and complicated emergency service access.

“The development has been achieved in a short turnaround with the help of the City Council and Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce.

“The steady growth of the Open GI work force and continued commitment to technological innovation over the last 23 years is reflected in our success as a leader within the UK general insurance broker market and a growing employer in the local IT sector."

For More Information about Open GI:
Adele Clarkson
Marketing and PR Manager
Open GI
Tel: +44 (0)1905 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 350 people and a 30-year heritage, the company enjoys a strong financial performance. For the year ended 31st May 2010 Open GI reported revenues of £35.0 million and an operating profit of £21.1 million.