Lorraine Archibald crowned Betting Shop Manager of the Year 2018

Lorraine Archibald was on Monday crowned Racing Post/SIS Betting Shop Manager of the Year.

She runs the Ladbrokes in North Street, Newtownards, Co Down, and was accompanied by colleague Scott Beattie when they appeared before the judging panel on Sunday.

Lorraine is the first overall winner from Northern Ireland; a previous Irish overall champion came in 2006, Dublin-based Michelle Fox.

Archibald, 41, has been in the industry 18 years after starting as a cashier with Eastwoods before joining Ladbrokes when they acquired that company. She oversees three shops in Newtownards in the role of marketplace manager.

Brough Scott, chairman of the judging panel, said: "Lorraine fills the room with warmth and integrity at a time when the business needs those two qualities like never before."

Brough Scott: chairman of the judging panelCredit: Edward Whitaker

Her original entry paper was noted as being "superb, honest and passionate", scoring maximum marks.

A mystery shopper told the judging panel their visit was enjoyable and that a test bet was explained superbly, adding: "The staff were really well turned out and there was quite an inviting atmosphere in the shop."

Archibald said: "I truly love my job, I’m a team player but I’m always ready to voice my opinion if there’s something I feel strongly about. My customers are at the heart of everything I do."

She received the award from former Arsenal and England footballer Ray Parlour and wins a VIP trip to one of Singapore’s major meetings next year, courtesy of the Singapore Turf Club. Archibald and her team will first be guests of SIS in their Ascot box next month.

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