Discover the key milestones in Harlequin Software's history:
1986
Harlequin Software founded in 1986
Tom and Kate Ellis set up Harlequin Software. Our initial software programs were for hospitals. Tom’s love of Venice is the inspiration for our company name.
1994
Patients’ Monies Software released in 1994
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 in 1995
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 in 1996
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 in 1997
Martin joins the team as a Junior Programmer. Over 25 years later, he’s our Head of Product and Operations.
2006
1st version of Harlequin CRM launched in 2006
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 in 2010
Dom Ellis joined the team to learn the ropes from his parents Tom and Kate. He is now Director of Sales & Training and travels all over the UK delivering training to our clients.
2011
Harlequin CRM major upgrade in 2011
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 in 2011
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 2014
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 in 2018
We issued a major new release of Harlequin Charitable Accounting that can be used by any charity – and works seamlessly with Harlequin CRM.
2018
High ranking in CRM Software Survey for eighth year 2018
For the eighth year, Harlequin scored highly across the board in the charity CRM Software Survey.
2022
Where we are in 2022
We are proud that over 300 remarkable organisations use our software – from a broad range of sectors in the charity and non-profit area.