Betting Shop Manager of the Year: introducing the final eight contenders

After seven months of competition we have reached the climax of the 2019 Racing Post/SIS Betting Shop Manager of the Year.

On Monday at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House hotel in London, one of the eight finalists will be crowned overall champion.

The judging panel, chaired by Brough Scott and including BHA chief executive Nick Rust, Helen Scott of SIS, industry expert Jim Cremin, Richard Hayler of the Independent Betting Adjudication Service, broadcaster Tanya Stevenson and myself, concluded its deliberations on Sunday night after the eight managers, along with a member of their staff, were grilled for one last time.

It was a difficult decision choosing an overall winner, but each manager will receive a commemorative Racing Post front page as regional champion.

The successful manager, as well as receiving the prestigious title, will win a VIP trip to one of Hong Kong’s major meetings next year, courtesy of the Hong Kong Jockey Club. This year’s special guest is TV personality and racing fan Chris Hughes.

This is the culmination of a journey that began in the spring with the major companies nominating their best managers from each of the eight regions.

At the same time, independent managers from across Britain and Ireland were encouraged to enter the competition.

These managers answered a question paper before the judges selected the 48 who were then subjected to a mystery shopper visit, which further narrowed the list.

We then invited 24 managers to spend a day at the races with the judges at Doncaster last month.

Now we’ve reached the final eight and each manager has written a profile of themselves, explaining their careers and how they relax away from their jobs.

DEAN MUNNINGS

Anglia and south-east, Jenningsbet

I’m 47 years old, married for 20 years to Julie and we have two children: Matthew, 15, and Rosie, 13. We live in rural Norfolk, about 15 miles south of Norwich.

My spare time is usually spent watching my son playing football, my daughter playing hockey or watching them both swimming. I’m press officer for our local swimming club, which means I get to commentate on certain galas, and in a close finish I’ve been known to give it full volume, horseracing style!

My first memories of the gambling industry were born out of a sad time in my life. My mum died when I was 13, and my dad in an attempt to find new interests bought a greyhound. He was hooked when the dog won first time up and he still trains at Yarmouth. I loved going to the dogs with him, but it was the on-course bookies who caught my imagination and I still get that buzz whenever I go racing now.

Dean Munnings: manager of a JenningsBet shop in Norwich

When I left school I worked for a roofing company but the building trade hit a recession in the early 90s and the betting shop I used at lunchtimes was advertising for a trainee manager. That firm was called Krullinds of Ipswich and they gave me a terrific insight into the job over the four years I was with them.

I worked for Ladbrokes for five years as a shop manager, followed by 14 years at independent Greenhill Racing, where I made the last 48 of this competition in 2015, but was made redundant before the following stage took place.

At the same time as working for Ladbrokes I was working on course at Henlow, Mildenhall and Swaffham. It was at Swaffham that I met my wife Julie – she used to work on race nights in the racing office, so at least we had a common interest, although I’ve never had her passion for gardening.

After a short foray into the world of funeral directing, I decided I wasn’t really cut out for a career change so applied in early 2016 for a relief manager position with JenningsBet covering Norfolk and Suffolk which after about a year led me to being at our Norwich branch full-time. It's the best move I ever made.

STEPHEN McKENNA

Ireland, Toals Bookmakers

Throughout my life I have immersed myself in teamwork through sport, work and, most importantly, family.

I left school at 19 and worked with my dad as a building site labourer before getting a job with O’Neill Bookmakers and this was where I spent the next 13 years.

Before that day I had never been in a betting shop; it was a completely new experience. The work was fantastic and exciting. I loved every minute of it and formed a lifelong friendship with the owner Tom O’Neill and his family.

We had a small team, but were a successful independent shop in Armagh. As Tom moved towards retirement I ran the shop for his last three years. This set me up for the changes to follow.
Our shop was taken over by Toals Bookmakers. Within two years I had been promoted from manager to area manager, a role that was challenging but rewarding.

Stephen McKenna: manager of the Toals shop on Garvaghy Road

In 2014 I was convinced to take part in a relay team in the Belfast Marathon. While training I couldn’t improve, if anything I was regressing. The reason was answered that April, the day before the Grand National. I was diagnosed with leukaemia.

At this point the most important team I’m part of really stood up. My wife Emma and my three kids reassessed life and put everything into perspective. With the support, guidance and reassurance from Toals I was able to return to work as the shop manager at Aughnacloy and rebuild my confidence.

After three years I was ready for the challenge of Toals Garvaghy Road, possibly the best shop in Northern Ireland. While I’ve been there only four months, the relationship with staff and customers is fantastic.

Outside of work my major passion is with our local GAA club Tullysaran. It is the heart and soul of our rural community. My whole family are heavily involved as members, coaches and players.

My two sons, Mark and Luke, are exceptionally gifted players, while my daughter Anna possesses the skill and determination to be a top camogie player.

COLIN ANDERSON

Scotland, William Hill

Life began growing up in Linlithgow on Scotland’s east coast with my parents and younger brother.

After school I worked in retail and did some coaching with the Scottish Football Association, while I also had a spell as a lifeguard. A brief stint in the Royal Navy ended due to the simulators making me seasick. Finding a new William Hill was to open on the high street was an ideal opportunity for a career change.

I was fortunate to work with a number of experienced, supportive managers who encouraged me to move on to the management ladder. My first opportunity in management came in Linlithgow after which I moved to Saltcoats on the west coast. This must have instilled a love for the sea in me as I have managed progressively larger shops in the seaside towns of Troon and Prestwick.

Colin Anderson: manager of a William Hill shop in Prestwick

My main pull to the west, however, was meeting my lovely wife. Together we have two wonderful daughters, my beautiful sparkling dancer Lottie, aged six, and Violet my one-year-old, a boisterous tornado who just never stops.

Football was my main passion and I have followed Glasgow Rangers since I was a boy. My job has opened my eyes to many other sports and I have found myself loving darts more over the years, attending events in Glasgow and Blackpool. Maybe I’ll make it to Ally Pally one day!

My more recent time spent managing our owners’ and trainers’ unit at Ayr has reinforced my love of racing.

Having supported many charities over the years my inner daredevil gave me the courage to do a sponsored parachute jump for the Anthony Nolan Trust.

My wife is the rock, she holds our family together and has supported me every day. This whole journey has been a blast. I am one of the lucky ones. I have a job I love that has opened doors and given me this wonderful opportunity. Most importantly I have my wife and my girls, they are my whole world, although my football team winning a bit more often would be a bonus.

ROBERT KIVANC

Greater London, Coral

Born in October 1988 to an English mother and Turkish father, it is fantastic having parents of two nationalities as it allows me to follow two nations at major sporting events. My childhood was made up of playing lots of sport seven days a week.

At 16 I got a local sales job and after a couple of years I relocated offices to the city. I really enjoyed the hustle and bustle of the big smoke but decided I wanted to go travelling while I was still young, so I set off with my first destination being Spain.

I spent three enjoyable years out there and this is when I received the sad news that my nan was very ill so returned to the UK straight away to spend her last months together.

This was a hard time for me as we were extremely close; she was truly my best friend. One of our favourite pastimes was attending Catford and Crayford dogs regularly for a little flutter and a laugh together.

Robert Kivanc: manager of a Coral shop in Bromley

I was then keen to do something I enjoyed, so I applied for a position as a trainee with Coral and seven years later I haven’t looked back. I manage the shop that I love and first started in and still have the same passion as I did the day I started.

In my spare time I love to attend live sporting events. I’m a big Charlton Athletic fan and attend as many games as I can. I also have lots of friends who play professional sport at the highest level and really enjoy supporting their careers.

I am a massive fan of racing and have various days outs with friends at different courses and tracks.

Going forward I want to continue enjoying life inside and outside of work. I would love to combine shop management with possibly VIP customer/hospitality management.

I also want to be there for colleagues as someone to talk to with ease who suffer from anxiety. It’s something I’ve struggled with and have learnt some great techniques and realised the importance of talking about it and sharing stories.

CAROLE OGRAM

North-west and Isle of Man, Ladbrokes

I was born 51 years ago in Birkenhead on the Wirral and I had a very happy upbringing. I now live in Wallasey with my husband Mike and our 18-year-old son Dan, who is our pride and joy. Mike is also a marketplace manager for Ladbrokes while Dan is studying for his A-levels.

I’m lucky to be part of a large, close and loving family and have many wonderful friends. A few years ago when a good friend and colleague told me that she had cervical cancer I immediately decided to run a charity race night in her honour and we raised more than £2,000 for Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust. I’m delighted to say that my good friend is now cancer-free and is a new mum to a beautiful baby girl.

The last competition that I entered and won was 40 years ago when a poem that I wrote awarded me afternoon tea with the mayor. I was picked up from my little terraced house in a chauffeur-driven Daimler Princess which made me feel like a princess for the day.

I felt like a winner when my parents and I were offered an impromptu free helicopter flight around the New York City skyline in return for our photos being used in the company’s new brochure.

Carole Ogram: manager of a Ladbrokes shop in Birkenhead

I can’t lay claim to meeting anybody famous, but I did once meet Mr T, wearing all his bling, at the front of the Adelphi Hotel in Liverpool. When I asked how he was doing, he boomed, "Ain’t nobody got time for this weather", as he ran into the hotel out of the rain.

I enjoy attending live music events and have seen many famous bands. I enjoy going to the cinema, going for walks in the fresh air and going out for food and drinks. I love planning and booking our family holidays and weekends away.

Before joining Ladbrokes I had several jobs including working as a nanny in New York, running and owning a gift shop, office work and bar work. While I’ve enjoyed all of my previous jobs, I’ve enjoyed working in the betting industry the most. I’ve met my husband here, made countless friends and have had fun every day.

JAYNE EVERETT

South-west and Channel Islands, Betfred

Born and bred in Plymouth, I previously worked as a make-up artist for premium cosmetic brands Estee Lauder and Benefit. It was a lovely job, but after a few years I felt it was time for change. So I quit my job and got a three-month contract as a receptionist in a ski resort in France.

A few weeks before I was due to go, I joined my dad visiting his local betting shop. I started chatting to the manager, who is now my area supervisor and she offered me a job. I’ll never forget her saying to me, “You will either love it and never leave, or hate it and be on the next flight to France!”

Within a few days I started, and immediately fell in love with every aspect of the job.

I started on a part-time contract and worked my way up to manager quite quickly. Plymstock was my first shop with a Coral shop opposite in competition.

Jayne Everett: manager of a Betfred shop in Plymouth

On my first day I marched straight over to my competitors to introduce myself, just to let them know I was here to win the market share battle! And there sat behind the counter was a handsome, charismatic redhead who shared my passion and competitive spirit.
This handsome redhead is now my husband Rory. We’ve been happily married for six years and have two wonderful children, Ava-Rose and Rudy.

I’ve been in my shop in Old Town Street since it opened five years ago, it’s my third child! It’s here where I have really strengthened and thrived as a manager. It helps that I have the perfect shop team, we all have the utmost respect and love for each other and the job which gives the shop the electric atmosphere it always has, hence why the shop is always busy.

In my spare time I love baking, I am always baking cakes and breads for friends and family and have to make enough for the shop team.
I’m also a ‘Hincher’ too and not ashamed to admit it.

My claim to fame now is me being the regional champion. Customers are so thrilled for me they’ve been jokingly asking for autographs.

SANDRA GILMARTIN

Midlands & Wales, Coventry

I was raised in a small Irish village called Kilmessan, where everybody knew each other, and the common denominator was our love and passion for sport.

I’m the youngest of nine, with five sisters and three brothers. One of my older sisters has been a greyhound trainer her entire adult life. I witnessed at a young age the love and care she has for her greyhounds and that introduced me to the exciting world of greyhound racing.

I remember going to point-to-point racing as a teenager, following Adrian Maguire’s journey to stardom. When Adrian won the Irish Grand National in 1991 we all felt proud. He put Kilmessan on the map.

I began playing team sports from the age of 12 and played competitively for more than 20 years. This taught me how to be a team player with a will to win, which has transferred to my working career. I think this has stood me in good stead as a betting shop manager.

Sandra Gilmartin: manager of a Paddy Power shop in Coventry

In 2002 I was working as a receptionist in the beauty industry, although I loved meeting new people and customer interaction, sport always remained my first interest and love, therefore I thought the betting industry may be a better fit for me.

I began my career at BoyleSports as a cashier and joined Paddy Power in 2012. I truly love my job.

I am a mother of two, my son Anthony, my daughter, Jamie Anne, both now young adults, both completely different characters, both of whom I am immensely proud.

I met my partner Ken in 2010 – together we have lived in Ireland, Canada and now England. We’ve gained valuable life lessons on our travels, gained some wonderful friends from all corners of the globe and been lucky enough to visit the most beautiful place on earth, the Rocky Mountains.

Thanks to my son I’m a Liverpool supporter. In my spare time I catch up on results, I read crime novels and love watching Marvel movies. I also love the daily power walk to clear the cobwebs and to get ready for the following day with positive vibes.

BECKY DRAKE

North-east, Barnsley

Family is one of the most important things to me, especially my son and partner; they both have such a good sense of humour and I enjoy every minute I spend with them. I often think there’s no way we could do the things we do together if I worked anywhere else – it’s so flexible and the teams I’ve worked with over the years have always been there for one another.

Spare time is usually spent with my family, we love our holidays and try to have one booked to look forward to. Our favourite holiday is what we call our chill out holiday, which is a log cabin in the middle of nowhere.

After leaving school I worked in hospitality and this definitely helps in the shops I’ve worked in during my 14 years in the industry. I enjoy spending time with all the different characters. I don’t think you could work anywhere else quite like it, you work so closely with your colleagues and the public and the banter you have is on another level.

Becky Drake: manager of a Ladbrokes shop in Barnsley

Growing up, my dad was part of the England karate squad, so I had my first karate suit before I was two. I always enjoyed training, but I haven’t trained in the last two years. I keep saying I’m going back and don’t feel past it just yet! So you never know.

I’ve met a few famous people but the one who I always remember with a smile was my nannan’s favourite snooker player Ronnie O’Sullivan. I got him to say hello to her on the phone, she was in her element.My nannan was such a huge part of my life and unfortunately we lost her earlier this year. She lived to be 95 and enjoyed such a good life, but that’s another story.

We always watched sport together and she loved to gamble. It gave her so much enjoyment in later life, especially online bingo.

All I’ve wanted to do these last few weeks is tell her all about the recognition I’m receiving all for doing what comes so naturally to me, I know she’d be so proud. I can hear her now saying, “Good old kid”, followed by a gin or two to celebrate, not that she ever needed an excuse for gin.

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