MICHAEL DEMETRIOU

Weblog: Betting Shop Manager of The Year

Independents rule, ok! Well done Andy Bennett

Get in there! Well done Andy Bennett of Scotbet for keeping ‘our’ independent flag flying high - not that I'm biased (much).

Had a fantastic couple of days in London, Sunday and then at Monday’s Awards lunch, and to be fair all the finalists were great. I'm sure when they look back they will all see this as helping further a bright career within the industry.

I had the pleasure of being on Andy's table on the Sunday; what really came across was how grounded he was - a really nice guy doing the job he loves. My Mrs said he reminded her of me (somewhere, Andy, I hope one of us is getting a compliment!).

He has a great year ahead of him, and I promise Dubai will blow him away. Well done Andy, enjoy, you deserve it.

It's been an exciting year, obviously the highlight was Dubai and the racing at Meydan; it’s like no other racecourse I have been to. If SiS or the Racing Post are struggling to find someone to show Andy around, I don't mind taking one for the team.

But all the race meetings I have been fortunate enough to go to, and the people I have met along the way, have added to an excellent year that I won't forget.

The ICE exhibition (Earls Court, January) will always stick in my mind and if you have never been I'd highly recommend it (2012 show is 24-26 Jan). It gives great insight to how far the industry can go. What did impress me most was the new digital Racing Post, any product that's coming onto the market that can aid customers and shop staff alike has to be a good idea. Being able to get up to the minute information will help everyone.

My biggest challenge over the last year was writing this blog, as I have always said I am betting shop manager first and I don't plan to give up my day job anytime soon!

I have appreciated all your comments over the year and, as I sign off, if any of you find yourself in Herne Bay, do pop in to Choicebet for a coffee and a chat.

Well Andy my friend, it’s over to you . . .

**Andy Bennett’s blog will begin in due course. An interview with him is planned to appear in Monday’s Racing Post.