Press release:
Ref: OGI0178
30th September 2009
One of Scotland’s largest independent brokers, Clark Thomson Insurance Brokers Limited, has signed a major contract with Open GI, following an IT review.
The three year deal covers Clark Thomson’s entire IT infrastructure, along with office productivity solutions for the majority of the company’s 150 staff. Committing to a long term partnership with Open GI will provide significant efficiency gains and business benefits in line with Clark Thomson’s growth strategy.
Well known for offering an expansive range of commercial insurance products, Clark Thomson also transact a large amount of personal lines business, with offices in 9 locations across Scotland. Recently listed within the £5m – £10m GWP category of the Top 50 Brokers in Personal Lines* report, the business takes pride in maintaining its customer care and service standards.
The deal with Open GI renews a long standing relationship between the two companies and includes the new SME Trading Platform, Open Trader. The platform simplifies the full cycle process for commercial risks and offers comparative quotes from multiple insurance providers.
Commenting on the contract with Open GI, Derek Barnes, Managing Director of Clark Thomson said: “In a highly competitive market, it is vital to work with a system offering a complete end-to-end solution and that can support future growth. Following a review of major software houses it was clear the Open GI system is streets ahead in terms of product development, flexibility, efficiency and cost. The Open GI solutions offer excellent value, allowing us to increase staff efficiency levels, improve profitability and gain competitive edge. Also, as a specialist in commercial lines, the advancement of the Open Trader proposition is very exciting for us.”
Simon Hughes, Sales and Marketing Director, Open GI, said: “We are delighted to have secured a long term partnership with Clark Thomson. They have been successfully trading for over 40 years and are committed to growing the business using the latest technology. Brokers in today’s market are continually reviewing their IT systems, in order to be confident that they are trading as efficiently as possible and taking advantage of new solutions, particularly those for commercial lines, where technology is coming to the fore. The contract highlights the fact that Open GI remains the partner of choice for the most innovative and forward thinking brokers. Now couldn’t be a better time to make efficiency and cost savings with Open GI.”
*Insurance Age August 2009 Supplement
For More Information contact:
Caroline Hardiman
Marketing & PR Manager
Open GI
Tel: 01905 754455
email: caroline.hardiman@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.