Blueprint appoints two experienced executives to Sales and Account areas to reinforce market position

Blueprint, part of Merkur Group UK, announced the appointment of experienced industry executives Neil McCartney as Head of Corporate Accounts, and Iain Graham as Head of Business Development.  

Joining Blueprint are the former Inspired machine specialists Neil McCartney, who previously worked for Barcrest; and Iain Graham, whose resume also includes roles in both Gala and Ladbrokes. Both are to report to Nicola Wallbank in her new position as Director of Sales and Account Management. 

Elaborating on the appointments, Wallbank said in a press release: "First of all, I am delighted to welcome two well-known, highly respected and highly knowledgeable industry personalities to the team. Blueprint has enjoyed a really positive return to business post-Covid beginning with ACOS, which was followed by our hugely successful National Roadshow and most recently our showing at EAG in March."

"The response to our Buy Direct Campaign which we introduced to the market in November has been phenomenal and the appointments reflect our commitment to provide the very best levels of service to all of our growing customer base across all sectors," she added.

Wallbank further said this is not a case "of simply increasing the headcount." Instead, she referred to the appointments as adding the sector-wide knowledge, experience and insight that "enables us to help our customers maximize their Blueprint machine income."

Last November, the Gauselmann Group subsidiary reported a considerable spike in its sales of digital machines. The company credits renewed market confidence, a strong product offering and the opening of new gaming ventures on the UK high street as factors helping drive the sales of this segment.

Analysis of Blueprint machines orders processed during and following October’s ACOS exhibition, in which the company participated, shows about 30% of the total volume has come from operators launching new venues.