GP software systems supplier EMIS Group issued an in line trading update for the six months ended 30 June, which shows that it has made solid progress in moving customers to its web-based system EMIS Web. EMIS now has 3,221 practices having either ordered the software or signed up to the ‘familiarisation service’ (including 150 installed GP practices) - a figure which is up from 2,000 at the full year (see EMIS lays foundation for future growth). EMIS Web is the hosted version of its core GP administration system, and the platform for the company’s future growth prospects. It now intends to invest further in the infrastructure and expand senior management to support continued growth.
Internationally, the picture is mixed. EMIS has now concluded the disposal of its loss-making Canadian business (see EMIS exits Canada), although its Australian operation, which is implementing an electronic health information system for the Australian Defence Force, is continuing according to plan. But it is the core UK market where EMIS’s future growth lies. It is well positioned to benefit from the NHS re-organisations that will see new GP Consortia introduced to commission services for the NHS. With a current market share of 53.4% of UK GP practices and 30% of UK pharmacies, EMIS is understandably optimistic about the opportunities.