Founded in 1992, the UK User Group has five formal objectives:
- To present to GE Smallworld the common views, requests and requirements of users
- To encourage the exchange of ideas and experience between members
- To provide a forum for discussion of all aspects of GE Smallworld GIS and related matters
- To act as an informed group in representations to GE Smallworld regarding existing problems and future developments
- To develop a common user library
Informally, social networking outside formal presentations has created a strong network of like minded individuals spanning traditional industry sectors where the cross fertilisation of ideas is the norm. This has had an important influence on GE Smallworld's strategic direction, influencing as it has the production of a 'Complimentary Products Directory' amongst many successes.
Historically the user group was user-dominated; organised and supported primarily by users, with GE Smallworld there by invitation only. GE Smallworld's unprecedented growth and rate of business development, particularly since the IPR in 1996, has stretched the resources of what was essentially a part-time organisation. With this in mind, in June 1996 the user group reviewed its activities and concluded that it should be re-organised. The decision was made that a user executive committee should be formed comprising GE Smallworld staff alongside industry representatives. As a result, the user group ensures total user involvement through it's elected representatives in each market sector and benefits from a closer involvement from GE Smallworld.