BoyleSports set to launch UK betting shops next week with expansion planned

BoyleSports will officially launch their first betting shops in the UK next week, with Ireland's largest independent bookmaker close to adding further to their estate.

It was also revealed that they have brought in industry veteran John Haddock to oversee their UK retail operation.

In June, it was announced BoyleSports had bought independent bookmaker Wilf Gilbert for an undisclosed sum as the firm realised their long-term ambition of entering the UK retail market despite the pressure on the sector.

BoyleSports chief executive Conor Gray said: "In the middle of next week we'll be taking over the 13 Wilf Gilbert shops in the Midlands.

"This has been an objective for us to get into the UK market and next week marks a realisation of a vision over a number of years. This is the beginning of the project rather than the culmination of it."

BoyleSports founder John BoyleCredit: Patrick McCann

Gray said that they had been able to do provisional work thanks to support from Wilf Gilbert's management to make the switchover next week easier, before refurbishing the shops in a way BoyleSports think will offer high street customers an improved experience.

"They've allowed us to put some of our fixtures and fittings into the buildings to give us a head start because when you are taking over 13 shops it can be a bit of a project in a short space of time.

"All being well we get in and start to transform these locations into something we believe customers deserve. Give us two or three months and we believe we will replicate our own business model.

"We feel it resonates with the public and with customers and we have no reason to believe it won't work in the UK also."

Big ambitions

BoyleSports have said they hope to have 100 betting shops within the next 12 months and Gray said they were close to adding more shops, which will take their total to more than 20.

They have also brought in Haddock, the former chief executive of Betfred who spent 30 years with the bookmaker, to oversee the UK shops.

Gray said: "We have 13 Gilbert shops and we'll be adding a small group in close proximity to these.

"John is part of the team to support the drive to develop a sustainable estate which is always very important. He has a rich retail history and is driving the agenda in our UK retail."

Gray said it was an exciting time for BoyleSports. He added: "It's a real testament to the hard work and endeavour that's gone on in the company.

"We are well aware of the challenges in terms of going into any new jurisdiction and trying to implement a business model and a new way of doing things, but we still believe there is the potential for vibrant UK high street in this sector if it's done well, which appeals to the public and is backed up by good customer service.

"We are very excited about it and it marks a really exciting time in the company's short history."

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