Harlequin Software Ltd

Our story

Discover the key milestones in Harlequin Software’s history:

1986
Our story
Harlequin Software founded

Our story begins when Tom and Kate Ellis set up Harlequin Software in 1986. Our initial software programs were for hospitals. Tom’s love of Venice is the inspiration for our company name.

1994
Our Story
Patients’ Monies Software released

One of our earliest systems, our Patients’ Monies software continues to be developed. It is one of the only specialist software packages of its kind in the UK.

1995
1st edition of Harlequin Charitable Accounting

Originally written for hospital charities, Harlequin Charitable Accounting is one of our core systems. It is constantly developed and evolves according to sector changes and user group feedback.

1996
Moved to The Old Vicarage

Harlequin operates within purpose-built offices in the grounds of the Ellis family home in Wiltshire. This provides an idyllic working environment – close to the M4.

1997
Martin Hills joined the team

Martin joins the team as a Junior Programmer. Over 27 years later, he’s an integral part of the team as our Head of Product and Operations.

2006
1st version of Harlequin CRM launched

It was evident that our software for hospital charities could be used right across the charity arena. In 2006, we took a strategic move to gradually expand into more NFP markets with our newly delivered CRM product.  Now over 350 organisations use our software from many sectors.

2010
Dom Ellis joined team

Dom Ellis joined the team to learn the ropes from his parents Tom and Kate. He is now Director of Training and travels all over the UK delivering training to our clients.

2011
Harlequin CRM major upgrade

A major upgrade of Harlequin CRM was delivered utilising the Microsoft SQL Server relational database and .NET technologies. Our CRM software continues to progress in response to our user group and sector demands.

2011
Topped CRM Software Survey for 1st time

Harlequin ranked highest in the annual Charity CRM Software Survey which featured in Fundraising magazine. We have rated highly every year since. 

2014
PIFA Award

Harlequin Software was voted the Best Database Supplier at the Institute of Fundraising’s Partners in Fundraising Awards 2014.

2018
New version of Harlequin Charitable Accounting

We issued a major new release of Harlequin Charitable Accounting that can be used by any charity – and works seamlessly with Harlequin CRM.

2014
High ranking in CRM Software Survey for 14th year on the bounce!

For the 14th year, Harlequin scored highly across the board in the Charity CRM Survey published each year in Fundraising Magazine.

2025
Launch of Harlequin CRM Web

Harlequin CRM Web launches in January with a fresh contemporary design and a string of exciting new features.