Emis targets faster software roll-out after strong 2011

The Leeds-based group today reported a strong 2011, as revenues grew 18 per cent to £73.2m, while operating profits increased 17 per cent to £21.5m.

Chief executive Sean Riddell said: “2011 has been another busy year for EMIS Group. We have continued the controlled roll-out to GPs of EMIS Web our transformational healthcare system, whilst RX Systems substantially grew its market share and we are seeing additional benefits as a result of group synergies.

“Despite the political upheaval and austerity challenges in the NHS, the cross-organisational potential of EMIS Web means the group is well positioned to benefit from the “connect all” strategies throughout the UK.

“This is especially the case when coupled with the planned devolution of power to Clinical Commissioning Groups, ring fencing of the public health budget and with information sharing being the key to better care outcomes and reduced cost.”

Emis floated on the Alternative Investment Market in 2010 with Emis Web the primary reason behind its stock market flotation. The system links healthcare professionals from neurosurgeons to GPs, allowing them to share patients’ cradle-to-grave medical records.

The group said speeding up the roll-out of Emis Web remains its “primary focus” this year and it continues to trade in line with its hopes.

“This acceleration underpins expected strong growth in recurring revenues during 2012 and beyond,” it said.

So far it has been installed in 450 practices with orders placed for a further 1,401 practices. By the October to December quarter it hopes to be installing Emis Web in 200 practices per month.

“We believe the group is making significant progress towards delivery of our strategic vision of cross-organisational healthcare systems,” said the company.

Emis plans to increase its final dividend 11 per cent to 6.2p per share.

It was founded in 1987 by North Yorkshire GPs, Dr Peter Sowerby and Dr David Stable.