Two of the UK's principal suppliers of gaming machines to the hospitality trade have joined forces to deliver an industry-leading service to 1,000 pub venues nationwide.
Tyneside-based Bob Rudd and SX Leisure, based in Essex, were appointed by Inspired Entertainment to deliver turnkey supply and service support across the pub sector.
And with the transition complete, both firms have strengthened their position as key players in the hospitality supply chain – with significant business growth and the creation of new jobs the headline outcomes of a mutually beneficial move.
“It’s been a busy few months but we couldn’t be happier with how things have gone,” said Nick Rudd, Managing Director, Bob Rudd.
“Being selected to support a significant portfolio of pub venues previously supplied by Inspired has given us the opportunity to bring our service-first model to even more venues and the feedback from customers has been fantastic.
“It’s a real testament to the dedication of our entire team – both existing staff and new arrivals.”
The transition from Inspired’s supplier services – retaining core Inspired game content and machines – has expanded Bob Rudd’s operational estate by nearly a third.
Inspired machines have been successfully transferred and fully integrated into an existing network stretching from Northumberland and Cumbria to the West Midlands.
Nick added: “The move has also strengthened staffing – with 40 new colleagues joining the business – and enhanced our ability to provide responsive, high-quality support nationwide.
“We’re seeing the benefits of scale without compromising the independent, service-led approach for which the business is known.”
Founded in 1989 by Bob Rudd and still proudly independent and family-run, the Newcastlebased company is led by brother and sister team Nick and Charlotte Rudd.
It continues to provide an impartial, flexible route to the industry’s best-performing machines, offering equipment from all major manufacturers.
Bob Rudd has underpinned its position as the UK’s largest independent operator and, in tandem with SX Leisure, is perfectly placed to absorb Inspired Entertainment’s extensive client book.
Together the two companies have onboarded more than 1,800 machines across 1,000 venues with SX Leisure reporting a 30% uptick in business.
“It’s been an exciting challenge for both our existing team and those who’ve joined us during this process,” said Greg Wood, Director at SX Leisure.
“Our new colleagues at Rudd Group have hit the ground running and I can’t thank the entire team enough for delivering the full SX Leisure experience at scale.”
The decision to engage Bob Rudd and SX Leisure reflects Inspired Entertainment’s strategy to focus its direct operational resources in core retail environments.
Inspired continues to directly supply both companies as well as retaining its position as a leading supplier to retail gaming and betting businesses – including licensed betting shops, bingo and slots rooms, motorway services and pubs.
“This partnership has been everything we hoped for,” said Ian Shreeve, VP and GM Gaming Sales UK at Inspired.
“Both the Bob Rudd and SX Leisure teams have delivered on every level – providing efficient operations, dependable service and a customer-first mindset.
“Inspired remains fully committed to the UK pub market and this collaboration ensures that pubs and customers continue to receive the highest-quality games, terminals, service and support.”
bobrudd.co.uk