Introducing the final eight chasing the 2024 Betting Shop Manager of the Year title at Monday's awards lunch

The final of this year’s Racing Post/SIS Betting Shop Manager of the Year competition takes place in London on Monday, when a new champion will be crowned.

Here, the eight regional champions introduce themselves by talking about their lives, careers and how they relax away from their jobs.

The overall winner will be invited to several key racing and betting events during their year as champion.

Ethan Aitkenhead: regional champion for Midlands and WalesCredit: GROSSICK RACING

Ethan Aitkenhead

Coral (Cardiff, Midlands and Wales)

I’m 26 years old and live in Cardiff. I joined Ladbrokes a few weeks before my 20th birthday. I never thought of myself being suitable for a customer service role as I was always quiet and reserved growing up. My original plan was to work within the motor vehicle industry, but that was cut short due to a hand injury.

I’ve always been pushed for progression by my area manager and within four years of starting with Ladbrokes I was given the opportunity to manage my first couple of shops. Just over a year later I’d progressed to managing the city centre shops with Coral.

I couldn’t imagine working anywhere else; the customers, colleagues and the atmosphere they bring is something I couldn’t be without now. The many moments of joy and life experiences shared with my customers have moulded me into the person I am today, and I’ll forever be grateful for that.

When I’m not working, I’m usually at a driving range with my partner Lauren or at a course with a few of the guys from work. We’ve taken up golf in the last year and there are times when I love the game and others when I regret touching a club!

Outside of golf, I’m obsessed with my cars and bikes, which is a passion I shared with my late father throughout my childhood.

Being a part of this process has been the highlight of my career.

Sian Brown: regional champion for Anglia and south-eastCredit: GROSSICK RACING

Sian Brown

Ladbrokes (Frinton-on-Sea, Anglia and south-east)

I look back fondly at my first day at Ladbrokes and remember the cashier page, with all the names and odds, and thinking: “I’m never going to get this.” 

With over a decade of experience in the industry, I’ve come to truly appreciate the sense of family and community that it offers. 

I started as a cashier and worked through every role to get to where I am now. Engagement is one of my passions and I take on extra responsibilities within my area. I believe that every voice matters and I strive to ensure that everyone feels seen, heard and valued. 

Balancing work and family has been a hard but rewarding journey. When I’m not at work, I treasure spending time with my family. I’m a proud mum of two wonderful children. They keep me on my toes, but I wouldn’t have it any other way! I love to cook; I share that love with them. We enjoy baking, although not always successfully.

I don’t get much spare time, but I enjoy going to the races. There’s something extra special about the atmosphere of ladies’ day. I have a unique style, and I embrace every opportunity to express my individuality and encourage others to do the same. 

My passion and light are qualities I aim to bring to every aspect of my life, I put my heart and soul into everything I do. I’m excited for what the future holds both personally and professionally.

Jeanette Cross: regional champion for the north-west and Isle of ManCredit: GROSSICK RACING

Jeanette Cross

Ladbrokes (Fleetwood, north-west and Isle of Man)

In 1986 I was working part-time as a waitress at the River House Hotel near Blackpool where I was lucky enough to meet the likes of Jerry Lee Lewis, Sir Edward Heath and Sir John Major as well as other political figures of the time who frequently dined there when in town for their party conferences.

Looking for something more permanent, but unsure what to do, I applied for a part-time position at Ladbrokes thinking the two jobs would dovetail well. I worked as a boardmarker and it was this exciting social atmosphere that made my mind up. This was the job for me.

In 1988 I was made a shop manager in Blackpool while also working on course at several venues including Cartmel and at the Aintree Grand National. In 2012 I was installed as one of Ladbrokes’ first marketplace managers and was made North West Manager of the Year in 2017.

In my spare time I love walking and have climbed dozens of Munroes and Wainwrights, including Ben Nevis and Scafell Pike, as well as Snowdon in Wales. 

I also enjoy my days at the races. My claim to fame was on Arc day in 1995 when Jack Berry, who trained just down the road from us at Cockerham at the time, spotted me and beckoned me into the parade ring where I met Frankie Dettori and the Arc winner Lammtarra.

I live with my partner Ashley and Milly my Shi Tzu, and we love getting away and exploring the islands of Scotland whenever we can.

Shelley Enever: regional champion for Greater LondonCredit: GROSSICK RACING

Shelley Enever

JenningsBet (East Ham, Greater London)

I’ve spent 24 years in the betting industry, beginning my career at Ladbrokes Buckhurst Hill in the early 2000s. After being made redundant in 2019, I took the chance to fulfil a lifelong dream of visiting Las Vegas in March 2020.

True to my style, I was one of the last to leave, catching an empty flight back to the UK just before lockdown. While my time in the US was unforgettable, returning to a challenging industry was daunting, and I wasn’t sure if I’d ever rejoin. Thankfully, a friend soon introduced me to JenningsBet, and I couldn’t be happier.

Earlier, I worked with the Adoption and Fostering Committee at my local social services. I was adopted at three months old into a wonderful family with a mum, dad and three brothers, and felt compelled to help others find loving homes too. I also volunteered with the Samaritans, supporting people in their most vulnerable moments. That experience shaped my ability to empathise and understand customer needs – skills I still use today.

I’m active at a local women’s gym, where I enjoy swimming, working out and catching up with friends. My fitness journey took a surprising twist when I accidentally joined a 5k run led by US comedian Kevin Hart. I had gone to watch my son, but was recruited to run alongside him. I may have finished last, but I received the warmest hug from Kevin!

My proudest achievements, by far, are my children, Jade and Reece, who have grown into successful, independent adults. Watching them thrive brings me the most joy.

Annette Garner: regional champion for the north and north-eastCredit: GROSSICK RACING

Annette Garner

Betfred (Spennymoor, north and north-east)

My first job was when I was 16 working on a Saturday at Binns department store in Darlington. I thought I was a millionaire getting my £15 a week. Leaving school I got a job in a clothing factory as a seamstress before moving on to a working men’s club.

In 2007 I started working for Coral and worked my way up to become shop manager. I was in the Spennymoor shop when it opened when I met three local legends in Eric Gates, Bernie Slaven and Malcolm MacDonald.

In 2016 Betfred acquired Spennymoor and four years later I became manager. I was then out of the industry for four months, but it felt like a lifetime. As soon as a job came available, I asked to come back to where I belong!

I don’t have much time between work and three kids still at home, but I am a bit of a Harry Potter nut – I even have Harry Potter wallpaper in my bathroom!

My perfect night off is sitting with a glass of wine watching one of the Harry Potter movies for the 100th time! I love to go out for a meal with my family. We are a close family, my dad passed away three months ago and losing him has made us even closer. I try to spend as much time as I can with my mam.

My partner Craig and I have been together for 17 years. We have 15-year-old twins, Sophie and Zach, and Liam (22) and Emma (27).

Georgina Moloney: regional champion for IrelandCredit: GROSSICK RACING

Georgina Moloney

BoyleSports (Raheen, Ireland)

I’m married to Dale and we have one beautiful teenage daughter Alison. We are fortunate that we live near to both our parents as it allows for a great balance between family and work life.

My career in the betting industry started 20 years ago following a short stint in hospitality, where my love for customer service grew. I joined Bambury bookmakers in 2004.

Initially I was apprehensive as I wasn’t sure I would be the right fit, but I loved the atmosphere and knew this was the place for me. Within a few years I had progressed to become a shop manager. 

In 2017, we were taken over by BoyleSports and this was when my career really began to flourish. Since then, I’ve been heavily involved in new shop openings, takeovers, promotional activity and working at racecourses.

Coming from a sporting family, my real love lies with Limerick hurling. I’m more nervous on match days than I was on my wedding day, the atmosphere at the games is surreal. My family and I are also keen Arsenal fans and my husband Dale is a big Manchester United supporter, so this can lead to some friendly arguments and lately I’m winning these!

Dale, Alison and I love to travel whenever we can and this year we went to Rome. Family events are something I always look forward to. 

I’ve also been known to start the occasional sing-song. In my spare time I enjoy cooking, walking and going to concerts. Last year I got to go see one of my favourite artists, Shania Twain.

Mark Orzechowski: regional champion for the south-west and Channel IslandsCredit: GROSSICK RACING

Mark Orzechowski

Betfred (Taunton, south-west and Channel Islands)

I’ve been with Betfred in Taunton for 12 years. Previously I was with a much smaller independent, who were bought out by Betfred.

At the start of my 39 years in the industry, Ladbrokes hired me as a boardmarker and from day one I discovered customer banter, as they were always up for distracting me if a favourite was shortening!

Before that I was a student of history at Edinburgh University, albeit not the most diligent, where I did a year and never returned. After that, I secured a summer job on Shetland but with a week to go, this fell through! On a whim, I instead went to work for Butlins at Clacton-on-Sea where I met my future wife. 

It was during that summer season myself and two workmates formed a band – fiddle, guitar and singer. Most memorably we were the cabaret for the 1981 Staff Princess Contest and we were paid in cider.

I had a brush with fame when I was around five. I had a kickabout with an at-the-time little-known footballer who became a Scottish sporting legend named Kenny Dalglish!

I enjoy spending time with family, reading books and going to concerts. Time permitting, I visit Ibrox. I’ve been going on and off since 1967 and never witnessed Rangers losing! These days,they ought to pay me to attend!

Tommy Rodger: regional champion for ScotlandCredit: GROSSICK RACING

Tommy Rodger

Ladbrokes (Saltcoats, Scotland)

I loved playing football as a youngster and you would rarely see me without a ball attached to my trusty left foot. However, my football career was cut short at 20 with a serious knee injury, although I’m surprised I lasted that long given I had three leg breaks aged six, nine and 14. I did, though, play alongside Chris Iwelumo (former Wolves and Scotland striker) for two years at youth level. 

Leaving school aged 18 I went to work at FCI, a factory making computer components for four years before redundancy. I worked in a local pub in that time, too, behind the bar.

March 27, 2002 is a day I’ll always remember - my first shift as a trainee cashier in Ladbrokes Kilwinning for the summer. After 12 weeks I was given a deputy manager position in Kilmarnock and I was there for five years. I was then given a shop of my own in Irvine before going on to become a marketplace manager and have served several locations throughout Ayrshire in the past 12 years.

I have four boys with my wife Dionne: Finlay, 21, Coby, 17, Broadi, 12, and Carter, nine. If I’m lucky enough to get Saturdays or Sundays off I enjoy going to watch the younger two playing football. I enjoy watching most sports and attend Rangers games as much as I can. I also love going horseracing.

I’ve met loads of Rangers legends over the years for autographs, including Terry Butcher, Chris Woods, Davie Cooper, Paul Gascoigne, Brian Laudrup and the de Boers, Ronald and Frank , but meeting and speaking to my hero Ally McCoist for ten minutes at Ayr races this year was the highlight! 

Read these next:

Regional champions revealed for 2024 Betting Shop Manager of the Year competition 

Final 24 revealed for the 2024 Betting Shop Manager of the Year competition 

Final 48 revealed for this year's Racing Post/SIS Betting Shop Manager of the Year competition 

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