Hard on the heels of the 'Winter of Discontent', Conservative leader Margaret Thatcher sweeps to power in the UK with a mandate to tackle inflation and curb union power.

GLADIS produces its first quotation and all UK and Ireland branches are linked to the Head Office computer.  Policies can now be quoted, underwritten and printed from terminals in every branch. Search capabilities can provide information on policyholders and their policies.

The Friends Provident Life Office Act 1975 repeals the Friends Provident Institution Act 1915. The Board no longer requires a majority of members from the Society of Friends. The London Head Office moves to 7 Birchin Lane.

As the British economy slows and interest rates soar, the 1970s proves a difficult period for the Century. Poor trading conditions prompt the sale of the company to the Phoenix Group, which is now part of Royal & SunAlliance.

Friends Provident establishes a reputation for award-winning use of technology with the installation of the 'Gladis' (Generalised Life Assurance Data Inquiry System) mainframe. This pioneering initiative is eventually to lead to online customer service.

Promising a new era of prosperity, Prime Minister Sir Edward Heath takes the UK into the European Economic Community

With the acquisition of an IBM 370/145 the company lays the foundations of a fully integrated IT system, eventually to result in GLADIS.

Neil Armstrong becomes the first person to walk on the moon. But has anyone thought to take care of his insurance needs?

Friends Provident becomes the first UK insurance company to install a computer. A team of operators begins to write simple programmes on the Honeywell '400' for pension renewals, fire and accident policies and general administration.

Skirts get shorter, hair gets longer, music gets louder.  Welcome to the Swinging Sixties.

Since no suitable Australian life company is available for acquisition, the first overseas branch is established in Sydney. A new series of policies is written and sold through a direct sales force.

Friends Provident acquires 90% of the shares of the Fidelity Life Assurance Company of Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada.

After 18 years in Harpenden, the head office moves to a new purpose-built centre in Pixham Lane, Dorking, opened by the Lord Mayor of London. The new era is marked by a change of logo, as Friends Provident sets a trend for out-of-town head offices.

Free health care for all as the post-war Atlee Labour government brings in the National Health Service.

Head Office delegates power to seven zones in UK and Ireland. Increased regional autonomy helps life sums assured reach almost double pre-war levels.