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Chris started his career as a ‘post boy’ at Deloittes in Bradford progressing to his current position as Managing Director of the largest British-owned UK supplier of gaming machines and entertainment products to pubs and clubs. He reflects on the high points including a six-year battle with HMRC, outlines what he is looking forward to most at EAG 2026 and how he finds that Dad dancing helps manage stress!

What was your first career job and wage?

Aged 16 I became the Office Junior AKA ‘post boy’ at Deloittes Bradford office on a salary of £1,260 per annum

What was your greatest accomplishment and what are you most proud of?

I think without doubt it was my six-year battle with HMRC over the taxation status of Category B3A machines which directly led to a refund of £millions to clubs. I was also very proud of the campaign to retain club machines when Sir Alan Budd suggested banning them in his pre consultation on the Gambling Act 2005. Both of these events could have had a massive detrimental effect on community clubs and as many people will know I am very fond of clubs:-  I’m also pretty chuffed that I climbed Kilimanjaro!

Who has had the biggest influence on your career?

That is a difficult one and impossible to answer. I have been incredibly lucky to have worked with amazing talented colleagues, and I’ve invariably found the wider industry to be very supportive of me. The only answer I can give is everybody and nobody

What are you looking forward to most from January’s EAG?

As ever, just meeting people, colleagues from the industry and customers. I will be cheerfully manning the Reflex stand alongside the whole team. The bit I least like is easy to identify – the inevitable Wednesday morning hangover…

Which industry figure do you admire most?

All those that have committed time, energy and enthusiasm to Bacta through the years. It is a thankless task as I well know but without these individuals the industry would not be where it is today. I have a great relationship with Quentin Stott who has always stood shoulder to shoulder with me when the going got tough, such as with the taxation battle mentioned previously. I would also mention Robert Gibb at Bacta for being a wise owl.

What role have you enjoyed most?

I love being the MD of Dransfields – it’s not my company but it is my baby and I’ve spent almost 30 (mostly) happy years leading a great bunch of dedicated people.  However, my favourite role by far is simply being a Dad.

Who has been the most influential person in your life and why?

My Grandfather, he was there for me throughout a not very nice childhood and encouraged me to believe that I could achieve something with my life.

How do you define success?

Wow, these are difficult questions – let me ask my therapist ! Seriously, I guess making a positive difference to people, whether that is professionally or personally

How do you manage stress?

Alcohol (joke),  exercise and long, long walks in the amazing Yorkshire countryside. Dad dancing helps as well.

What are your career regrets?

Naivety in my younger years led to some poor decisions. I look back and think how much better I could have handled things.

What inspires or motivates you?

I have always been very ambitious, no idea why - I just have.

What advice would you give to your 16-year-old self?

Never light up that first cigarette and do not wear red patent leather shoes to meetings at the age of 17 – it may have been the fashion but you looked a right plonker. 

Something about yourself that’s not on your CV?

I won the Headmaster’s Prize for being the nicest lad in the school, whatever that means. I think it was a runner-up prize for not winning at Maths.

In a sentence what would you change about the industry?

I believe in British businesses and I think it a shame that so much power and control is being exerted by overseas companies. There is some short-term thinking going on that could have profound long-term consequences for the industry

One piece of advice or insight that has changed your life and from whom?

I had a choice at the age of 17 to train to become a telex and fax machine operator or to train as an accountant. A senior partner at Deloittes advised me to train as an accountant (phew!).

What’s your Desert Island Disc?

Flipping heck, that’s impossible – probably ‘Moving’ by Kate Bush, it’s sublime.