Strategy
We believe that the scale of consumer expenditure on games of chance will
grow over the medium and longer terms and that the shape of this expenditure will change
as gaming continues its gradual integration into the mainstream leisure market.
Our focus is on increasing customer visits to our businesses by bringing enjoyable gaming-based
leisure experiences to a broader base of customers. Against this backdrop, the key elements
of the Group’s strategy are:
Deepen customer understanding
The ability to understand and to anticipate customer needs underpins the development
strategies of each of our four businesses. During 2008, we invested additional
resources to help us gain deeper insights into customer behaviours, to reward
customer loyalty and to enhance the quality of management information about our
operations.
Selective investment to strengthen our position in the UK and explore
growth opportunities overseas
Rank’s capital spending priorities reflect the development needs and growth
opportunities in each of its businesses. The Group maintains close control over
its capital commitments.
Shaping the wider environment
During 2008, Rank maintained a programme of engagement with political and regulatory
bodies, meeting with more than 50 Members of Parliament and contributing significant
resource to Gambling Commission policy consultations, workshops and meetings.