Released on: January 18, 2008, 8:41 am

Press Release Author: Berkeley PR

Industry: Software

Press Release Summary: UK businesses unwittingly bought more than double the usual
quantity of batteries as staff helped themselves in the run-up to Christmas.

Press Release Body: UK businesses unwittingly bought more than double the usual
quantity of batteries as staff helped themselves in the run-up to Christmas.

Research from procurement software supplier, OCG, has revealed that sales of
batteries peaked during December, a 126 per cent increase on the quantity bought
during the previous month. Meanwhile, toys such as the remote control Piczo Z
Helicopter and Flytech Dragonfly topped the bestseller lists alongside the Nintendo
DS and Wii games consoles.

"I think it's reasonable to assume that UK businesses, rather than Santa Claus, are
footing the bill to power up toys and gadgets bought as Christmas presents,"
commented Doug McLean, CEO at OCG. "Swiping the odd biro from the office stationery
cupboard isn't a new phenomenon, but sophisticated online ordering systems used by
employees to pilfer more costly items are proving more difficult for the average
finance director to keep track of."

OCG's research across its client base also revealed a large number of printer
cartridge orders for printer models that are not owned by the company placing the
order.

"We've established that many businesses are buying cartridges for phantom printers,
and we've even had cameras and iPod orders that employees have asked to be delivered
to their home addresses. It does seem likely that these were not destined for
business use", added McLean.

OCG helps businesses to avoid wasting time and money buying commodity products that
they don't need or at inflated prices, by giving the finance and procurement
function online visibility of all commodity spend transactions.

- ends -

NOTES TO EDITORS
About OCG
OCG helps businesses to avoid wasting time and money buying commodity goods that
they don't need or at inflated prices. Its software gives the finance and
procurement function visibility of all transactions, such as purchases of office
supplies, print and travel.

The web-based procurement portal enables staff in large companies with a number of
nationwide offices to order standard items for every location at the lowest possible
price. This helps overcome problems such as inconsistent pricing when employees lack
professional negotiating skills and also prevents unauthorised spend by staff.

OCG was recognised as a Sunday Times Microsoft Tech Track 100 company in 2007. For
further information, please visit http://www.ocgplc.com/ or contact
ocg@berkeleypr.co.uk.




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Contact Details: For further information, please contact:
Jo Skeels-Piggins/Emma Sinclair
Berkeley PR
T:0118 988 2992
E: ocg@berkeleypr.co.uk
W: www.berkeleypr.co.uk