Sirius dealt a blow to Misys this week by snatching broker Perkins Slade.

The largest independent broker in the West Midlands has committed to a 90-user Sirius for Broking system for deployment at its sites in Birmingham and Petersfield, Hampshire.

Chief executive David Slade said: "We decided to look at all the software houses over a period of 18 months to see what they could offer. It went down to two, Sirius and Misys, and we decided Sirius gave us the best option."

He said the broker had signed a contract where implementation would start in September and he hoped to go live "early next year".

A Misys spokeswoman said: "As a valued Misys customer, it is with great disappointment that Perkins Slade has decided to opt for an alternative solution. However, in a competitive marketplace where brokers continually review their IT systems, there will inevitably be business wins and losses. As a market leader, Misys has and continues to win business from a variety of suppliers."

Meanwhile, specialist motorcycle broker Carole Nash has decided to remain with Misys after testing a Sirius system. A legal dispute has arisen between Sirius and Carole Nash over the relationship. Neither party would comment further on the dispute.