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Press release:

Ref: OGI0253
14th March 2011

Open GI is Brokers’ Partner of Choice

Throughout the uncertain economic climate, Open GI has seen a continuing number of new and renewed contracts as brokers pursue business efficiencies.

Despite predictions of slow market-wide economic growth, Open GI has enjoyed an increase in the number of signed contracts and partnership agreements. As new start-up brokers continue to enter the market, and existing brokers conduct software house reviews in order to compare market opportunities, Open GI is proving a popular choice. Having over 30 years experience has enabled Open GI to develop best practice solutions to support growing businesses, such as those recently contracted; Weir, HomeMatters and Vision Insurance Services.

One of the latest firms to move to Open GI is Weir Insurance Brokers. With over 40 years trading in Non-life, Commercial and Personal Lines Insurance, Weir is one of the largest, family run businesses in the North East.

Following a review of the major IT systems on the market, the company decided to opt for Open GI. There were several reasons for this, according to Karen Weir, Managing Director, Weir Insurance Brokers Ltd. She said: “We had used the same software provider for over 25 years, and as a business gradually growing our Commercial Lines account the commercial offering of our provider was not fit for purpose.

“We spent two and a half years performing ‘due diligence’ on software houses, while acquiring two brokers in the last six years gave us firsthand knowledge of several alternative systems. We wanted a system that could provide affordable, but at the same time intelligent, MI functionality. In choosing Open GI we have benefitted greatly from a Commercial Lines and Management Information perspective - InfoCentre Plus being a particular favourite, enabling us to obtain a snapshot of the whole business in a matter of seconds."

Simon Hughes, Sales and Marketing Director, Open GI, said: “With increasing market changes, we have seen start-up brokers continue to enter the market, bringing with them plenty of innovation, whilst existing brokers are reviewing their IT strategy with a view to using technology as a vehicle to drive their business forward.

“Open GI is a proven technology provider for both Commercial and Personal Lines to reduce administration costs and improve efficiencies which in turn help increase profitability and improve customer retention. We appreciate that each broker model is different and understand the importance of developing the right systems and processes that are tailored to each brokers business.”

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 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 31st May 2009 Open GI reported revenues of £32.0 million and an operating profit of £17.9 million