Beacon Bingo has always been a leading name within the bingo industry, not because of the number of clubs that are operated under the brand, but because the three bingo clubs and the online bingo site were amongst the best in the country. The brand which is now owned by Praesepe (which itself has an extensive portfolio of gambling establishments), sees the development of its managers as a key to the company’s future. The company is now looking at training opportunities within the Beacon Bingo clubs in a rather unique manner for the industry.

Beacon Bingo has formed a partnership with the University of Derby to train Assistant Managers to work at all the bingo clubs within the Praesepe group. They have worked closely with the university to design an Advanced Diploma in Leisure Retail Management. The course will take a full twelve months to complete and is largely project based covering all aspects of the industry including marketing, business development and financial planning and those completing the course will end up with a vocational qualification that will give them a good base for a career in the bingo industry.

The CEO of Praesepe, Nick Harding commented: "Whilst Bingo could be described as the show biz end of low stake gaming, it is also a very serious business valued in the UK at some £1.7bn. As a company Praesepe is committed to investing in its people, developing talent and attracting the leading candidates."

Beacon Bingo was always known for operating the best clubs within the bingo industry and the founder Jimmy Thomas developed the clubs to be the industry leaders reflecting the glamour and glitz you would associate with Las Vegas style venues. Even 10 years ago the company was a big advocate in investing in its people and it is nice to see the new owners have similar values.