New Years Honours

I would like to propose Artemis.

Not the Greek god, but a computer program created in Ipswich.

Alright, I’ll declare an interest! In 1975, along with three others, Richard Evans, Roy Brown and Robin Lodge, we created a system for the planning of large projects. Projects in the UK, like the Channel Tunnel, most of North Sea Oil and the new Jubilee Line were all handled successfully by the program. We also sold extensively in the US and around the world, virtually monopolising the market.

We sold out in 1985 for a very large sum of money, as in those days it was about the only successful way of realising capital. The company is still going strong.

No-one got an honour, but the company did win two Queen’s Awards for Industry.

The other reason I would propose her, is that it would be an example to all of those other unsung heroes of this country, who work hard to create the real wealth, that others can enjoy or waste!