Andy Tipple: ‘We need the Government to get their economic policy right in order to create a positive environment for both business and consumers’
In an interview with Coinslot BPO Manging Director Andy Tipple explains how an otherwise excellent year for the company has been compromised by the absence of the white paper and the need for clarity on the timetable for a review of stakes and prizes.
Coinslot: How would you look back on 2024 – in anger or affection?
Anger that the snap General Election put a halt to the processing of the white paper and the subsequent indecision this has caused for both Blueprint Operations and its customers. A highlight was the launch of the Revolution cabinet at ACOS. The launch was executed very professionally and I don’t think anyone in the ACOS hall hadn’t heard about the Revolution before they arrived. The Revolution is significant because it brings together all aspects of the business from the way that we deliver content, to the visual impact it creates at venue level and the reassurance it provides our customer-base that Revolution is an investment which future proofs their businesses.
Coinslot: What have been your highlights over the year? Talk us through some of the key developments in your business.
With a full year under my belt as Managing Director of Blueprint Operations I cannot have asked anymore from the whole team. It’s clear that without our people we don’t have a business. They have worked tirelessly throughout 2024 and we have achieved a great deal. We are not a 9 – 5 organisation and I am grateful that they have combined to deliver some solid results for 2024 and generated the momentum to take us into 2025. Some of the key highlights were the BlueprintConference, the launch of the Revolution cabinet, our stand-out presence at the ACOS show and our new game feature Spin to Win which is proving a huge hit with players. I addition we also had the Summer and Christmas parties which enable us to spend time together as a team which provides me with the opportunity to say thank you.
Coinslot: And the challenges – economic, market development, rising costs, regulatory uncertainty? So many to choose from, what have been the most concerning and how have you managed them?
The White Paper or lack of it makes planning more difficult but my view is that we carry on regardless and always expect the unexpected. Continued uncertainty on technical standards and stakes and prizes will compromise our ability to plan. These changes take up a massive amount of time in an environment where we cannot simply switch skilled resource on or off. Rising business costs from National Insurance to the increased RET contribution require accurate accountancy in order that we can track and adjust the business accordingly.
Coinslot: What objectives have you set the company for 2025? What do you want to be reporting back to us this time next year?
It has been an excellent year for us and I am pleased that we have set sound foundations for 2025. As you would expect we have a number of internal targets, and I hope to keep the momentum that we have generated this year into next year. Our core objective is to be Number 1 in everything that we do whether that’s game content, cabinet design or customer service support.
Coinslot: How confident are you about the next twelve months: do you have high hopes for the new regulation, growth in the economy and expanded business opportunities?
We have to remain positive and have a balanced approach. There is always opportunity in the market – we just have to be agile and prepare for a raft of different scenarios. With that said we don’t trade in a vacuum, and we need Government to get their economic policy right in order to create a positive environment for both business and consumers.
Coinslot: What 5 gifts does Santa need to put under the Christmas tree for the industry?
Stable government, White Paper delivered, clarity from the Gambling commission on a stake and prize review process and a decent pint of Guinness at ExCeL London in time for the EAG!
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