MEMBERS of Worcester-based IT firm Open GI have kicked off the company’s 30th anniversary celebrations in 70s style.

The company, which supplies software to the UK and Ireland insurance market, is this year celebrating 30 years of successful trading.

Formed in 1979 in the back office of a small insurance broker’s premises on Bank Street, Worcester, it now employs more than 300 staff from its Buckholt Drive offices.

Open GI began its anniversary celebrations with an annual staff event held at Worcester Rugby Club.

Everyone enjoyed a fun and funky 70s soundtrack as well as refreshments. The staff also dressed up in flares, psychadelic colours and platforms to match the 70s theme of the party. Chris Guillaume, the managing director of Open GI, said that the party was very enjoyable and the anniversary was a real landmark for the IT company.

He said: “In a challenging economic climate for all businesses it’s great to be able to celebrate 30 years of success at Open GI and I’m extremely proud to be heading up such a motivated team.

“We have gone from employing a handful of staff in Worcester to more than 300 across the UK and Ireland, making us one of the largest employers in the insurance software industry.

“There are now more than 25,000 users of our systems across a huge range of firms, giving us a market leading presence which we look forward to continuing.”