‘It is to the credit of all managers that retail has come back so strongly’

The Racing Post/SIS Betting Shop Manager of the Year made a welcome return in May and we are now less than two weeks away from finding out the identity of the 2022 champion.

The competition was cancelled for two years because of the Covid-19 pandemic and we now introduce the 24 managers from across Britain and Ireland who remain in contention to win the prestigious title.

The last awards lunch took place in 2019 when Sandra Gilmartin, of Paddy Power, landed the prize. The race to succeed Gilmartin began in the spring when the major companies – Betfred, BoyleSports, Coral, Ladbrokes, Paddy Power and William Hill – were asked to nominate their best managers in the eight regions.

At the same time, all independent managers were invited to enter the competition.

Regional competitions took place in Ireland, Scotland, north and north-east, north-west and Isle of Man, Midlands and Wales, south-west and Channel Islands, Anglia and south-east, and Greater London.

Each manager received a written question paper before a judging panel decided which 48 made it through to the next stage. The managers through to this stage each received a mystery shopper visit, after which the panel selected the top three candidates from the eight regions.

Those 24 managers spent a day at the races at Doncaster last Friday, where they met the judges for the first time. The panel will now choose the eight regional champions, who will be announced on SIS on Thursday and the Racing Post on Friday.

The competition recognises the work done by all betting shop staff and is an opportunity for the whole industry to come together to applaud their achievements.

Alan Byrne, chief executive of the Racing Post, said: “We’re delighted to have the Betting Shop Manager of the Year competition back in its traditional format. It seems to us that it is more important than ever to celebrate the fantastic work of those on the frontline in the retail sector.

“Not only have shop managers had to cope with the vicissitudes of the Covid pandemic, but they have had to work hard to rebuild activity in shops over the past 18 months. It is to the credit of all managers that retail business has come back so strongly.

“We are grateful to all of the participating managers for the commitment they show to the competition and we look forward to unveiling – at last – a successor to Sandra Gilmartin who has held the title with distinction for somewhat longer than was originally intended.”

Paul Witten, SIS commerical director, said: “It is a privilege to once again be involved with this award, which is rightly regarded as one of the most prestigious of its kind. It is steeped in a rich history and continues to grow every year, as we continue as an industry to put the pandemic behind us while facing up to new challenges.

“To be selected in the final 24 is testament to this group’s hard work and outstanding service to both its customers and our industry as a whole. I wish them all the very best of luck.”

The judging panel includes former BHA chief executive Nick Rust, betting industry expert Jim Cremin, Ibas chief executive Richard Hayler, Helen Scott of SIS, broadcaster Tanya Stevenson and myself.

Each regional champion, along with a key member of their shop staff, will attend a final selection in London next month, which involves a question-and-answer session with the judges on the day before the final.

The final awards lunch takes place at the Carlton Tower Jumeirah on Monday, November 7, and the winner will be invited to several key racing and betting events during their year as champion.

All it leaves me to do is congratulate the 24 managers through to this stage and wish them all the best for the rest of the competition.

Read these next:

Betting Shop Manager of the Year: introducing the final 24 candidates (part one)

Betting Shop Manager of the Year: introducing the final 24 candidates (part two)

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