What they said about the new betting shop manager of the year

Alan Byrne, Racing Post CEO

She came across as an outstanding representative of the industry – a super manager with laser-like focus on customer service, a great example for us all.

Will Roseff, leading independent bookmaker

She's a lovely lady with a wonderful manner.

Richard Ames, SIS CEO

I'm delighted to see such an outstanding winner – especially as I was part of the Ladbrokes team that made the decision to buy the Eastwood shops. It's such a vibrant environment there and Lorraine has gone from strength to strength ever since.

Bruce Millington, Racing Post editor

A fantastic winner, exactly the right sort of person who can properly showcase this industry.

Ray Parlour, special guest

Her focus on customer service stood out on the stage – even if she also said she was speechless! Northern Ireland will rightly be so proud of her.

Betting Shop Manager of the Year finalists (from left) Ben Shaldon, Kevin Gray, Amran Ul-Haque, Lorraine Archibald, Sascha Drape, David Monk, Michael Strain and Ainsley BowsteadCredit: Hugh Routledge

Paul Witten, SIS

It's great to see a first Northern Ireland winner and we operate in a business where men and women have always been great managers. Her passion augurs well for the future of retail.

View of the judges

Brough Scott, chairman of the panel

Lorraine fills the room with warmth and integrity at a time when the business needs those two qualities like never before.

Nick Rust, BHA chief executive

Lorraine was a clear winner in an excellent set of regional champions. We could feel the atmosphere in her shop and how she led and developed an excellent winning team in her marketplace. She is unflappable and understands her business and this industry extremely well. She will be an excellent ambassador at an important time for betting shops.

Helen Scott, SIS

We have enjoyed the company of eight exceptional managers with 139 years of experience between them. Our industry should be proud of the calibre of people we are lucky to attract and hold on to. Their commitment and passion was unquestionable and our job, as judges, was always very difficult. I applaud all the finalists and wish them every success in the future. Congratulations Lorraine, a worthy champion who will represent the betting shop industry superbly.

Lorraine Archibald celebrates winning Betting Shop Manager Of The YearCredit: Edward Whitaker

Andrew Pennington, Racing Post

Once again it has been a pleasure to be involved in this competition. In a tight contest, Lorraine has emerged as a superb winner. She has impressed throughout the process and will be a fine ambassador for the whole industry. Congratulations to all eight regional champions.

Richard Hayler, Ibas chief executive

Throughout the course of this year’s judging process, I’ve been reminded of what a multi-dimensional job a betting shop manager now is. You need to be assessing each customer’s age, each customer’s susceptibility to problem gambling and considering whether ‘source of funds’ checks are needed for your highest spending customer. On top of that, you’re selling more products, bets, markets and games than ever before. Not everyone can manage to pull it off but Lorraine does with aplomb. She is clearly a top-class manager in a field of great finalists.

Tanya Stevenson, broadcaster

It is always a privilege to be a judge of the Betting Shop Manager of the Year, it never disappoints. The anecdotes, interaction and sheer enthusiasm from all the competitors is an annual highlight. The industry is developing daily and poised to take on its biggest challenge in April. Lorraine encompasses everything required, she brings a wonderful team ethic, puts her customers first and foremost and has phenomenal awareness regarding the industry's responsibilities. Finally she has a warmth that makes you want to be in her shop; congratulations to a deserving winner.

Nigel Boardman, SIS

I'm delighted for Lorraine, a truly exceptional winner in a very competitive year. Lorraine will be an excellent ambassador for the industry which faces a difficult 12 months ahead. At every stage of the competition she demonstrated a deep passion for her staff and customers.

Jim Cremin, industry expert

Outsiders, including politicians, often fail to appreciate the dedicated professionalism that underpins retail betting and seeks to deliver an enjoyable social experience. Manager of the Year is a chance to reflect on this standard and recognise high achievers. Lorraine is a superb example of a genuinely kind individual.

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