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Press release:

Ref: OGI00146
14th July 2010

Ex-SSP Development Manager Joins Open GI

Andy Beardshaw, former Development Manager at SSP, has joined Open GI to manage the company’s Open Trader Team and enhance the platform’s commercial functionality.

Open Trader is Open GI’s fully integrated SME trading platform used by over 500 UK brokers. A total of 60 people are involved in the delivery of the product across the business, with around 30 employed in the Open Trader Development Team.

Andy has a Development career spanning 25 years across a number of sectors – CAD, Retail, Campaign Management and Financial Services. He was previously UK Development Manager for SSP’s Sirius for Insurance Platform and prior to that, Technical Team Leader within the Mortgages Division of Vertex Financial Services. He also spent a number of years with ad serving company, Double Click.

Andy’s appointment is part of Open GI’s strategy to strengthen its commercial proposition for brokers trading SME business. His key responsibility is to enhance product delivery, quality and technical processes to ensure the product continues to evolve.

The reason for moving to Open GI was based on a desire to get back into a ‘hands-on’ management role. Andy Beardshaw said: “My previous role involved offshoring much of the development. With Open GI everything is centralised, meaning greater control over processes. Open Trader has a great reputation in the market, as does Open GI. The product is growing at a rapid rate so it’s a great opportunity to really influence its development.

Commenting on the appointment, Richard Earle, Development Director, Open GI, said: “Open Trader is fast becoming the market’s leading comparative quote solution for SME business, therefore it’s vital we continue to invest in its development. With a strong insurance background and technical expertise, Andy is a welcome addition to the team.” In his spare time Andy teaches sailing, as well as racing on the Midlands circuit. He is a keen squash player and a qualified motorcycle instructor.

For More Information contact:
Stacy Prosser
Marketing Team Leader
Open GI
Tel: 01905 754455
email: stacy.prosser@opengi.co.uk

Notes to Editors:

Open GI supplies market leading IT solutions to insurance brokers across the UK & Ireland. With 25,000 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 31 st May 2007 Open GI reported revenues of £27.3 million and an operating profit of £13.6 million.