Ant Vines

Experience

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  Gala Coral Group / Granada Leisure in various roles

  Dec 1984 - Dec 2008

  Competitor Insight, Strategy & Development, Business Intelligence, Acquisitions & Club Manager

  2006-08, Gala Coral Group Ltd - Competitor Insight ManagerFollowing the acquisition of Coral, became Competitor Insight Manager.• Instrumental in Gala’s strategy to protect the business from the smoking ban. This involved the development of smoking shelters, the implementation of best practise and the formulation of a promotional defence programme including the Nectar loyalty scheme.2005-06, Gala Group Ltd - Strategy and Development ManagerResponsible for the evaluation of new business ideas from concept to operational delivery.• Led the development of Gala’s mobile phone gaming product from initial idea, through feasibility study/partner evaluation through to commercial negotiation.1997-2005, Gala Group Ltd (Private Company) - Business Intelligence ManagerReporting directly to the CEO, John Kelly and also the Development Director, Brian Mattingley, involved in strategic development, competitor acquisitions and delivery of growth.• Identified and evaluated competitor bingo chains which led to the acquisition of 64 new sites in 4 major acquisitions between 1998 & 2006. Led and managed the process to achieve subsequent clearance with the Competition Commission.• Part of the small team that created a joint venture with US company Harrah’s (Caesars) in anticipation of potential opportunities for resort casinos in the 2005 Gambling Act. 1991-97, Gala Leisure Ltd (Bass PLC) - Acquisitions and Development ManagerManaged a team that was responsible for the acquisition of sites for new build bingo clubs.• Led and managed a team that delivered the acquisition of 44 new build Gala bingo sites which generated profits in 2008 of over £60 million on an investment of over £150 million. 1984-91, Granada Group Ltd - Marketing Executive and Trainee/Club ManagerCompleted full management training within several bingo clubs in the Midlands. Involved in the development of the first large purpose built bingo club in the UK at Derby in December 1988. Show less

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  Praesepe PLC (Beacon Bingo)

  May 2009 - Jan 2014

  Business Development Manager

  Joined Beacon Bingo as BDM in 2009 and in 2010 the business was acquired by the Praesepe Group who are the UK’s largest Gaming and Family Entertainment Centre operator. • Project managed the development and launch of a new innovative product called Bingo Express which provides a suite of new bingo games. The project was developed from scratch in 2009 and has been rolled out to over 110 units across a range of operators such as Nobles, Rileys, Cashino, Shipleys, Teddys and Case Concepts.• Managed the integration of 3 new sites into the Beacon Bingo chain during 2012 including customer care training, the implementation of a structured induction process and a planned re-launch at each site including rebranding and re-registration of the database. Admissions and profit grew by over 25% overall.• In 2011, managed an Assistant Managers’ development programme with Derby University. All 14 recipients achieved the advanced diploma in Leisure Retail Management. Developed and rolled out a customer care programme and standards audit across all Beacon sites.• Introduced a new membership system in 2010 including various automated mailing programmes to reduce lapsing behaviour and stimulate new members to become regulars. New member conversion rates improved by nearly 10%. • Managed the introduction and development of a new market leading Bingo Electronic Tablet.• Developed and introduced a new multi jackpot game (Lucky Numbers). Show less

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  Ipsos MORI

  Jan 2014 - now

  Market Researcher

  Undertaking various market research projects

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  NatCen Social Research

  Sept 2017 - now

  Market Researcher