What it's really like inside William Hill

by Becky Wilkerson, marketingmagazine.co.uk 31-Mar-09, 08:30

We asked the marketing team at William Hill what it's like to work there

How do you come up with new marketing ideas?
Ideas are never in short supply at William Hill Towers. Alternatively, they're the product of incredibly well-written, detailed briefs (no laughing at our agency, please).

What is the main marketing challenge you face?
Coming up with fresh ideas for annual events, as well as attracting a new audience to what has traditionally been viewed as an old man's game.

What are the perks?
Having a job that involves us in sport in some way is a dream come true for the many failed sportsmen among us. Getting paid for discussing things we'd talk about in the pub also can't be bad.

Describe the marketing team in three words
Betview Award-winners.

Is there a dress code?
It's been relaxed recently, so the old school are suited and booted, while the younger members wear T-shirts and jeans.

What are the hours like?
Core hours are 9.30 to 5.30, although, in reality, we're in the office for a lot longer. In the run-up to major sporting events, our families forget who we are.

Does the marketing team socialise out of hours?
You'll usually find a member of William Hill staff in The Lounge, which is two minutes away from our office.

What is the company like for training and career progression?
It's very much a meritocracy, with plenty of examples of those who have worked their way up through the ranks, including our chief executive.

What about the salary and benefits package?
Industry competitive.

Are there any downsides?
People assume we get loads of great tips for the horses and don't believe it when we tell them we don't.

Is there anything interesting about the inside of your office?
We have 21 TV screens on the wall, showing live sport and betting information. Take out the desks and phones, and you could be in a betting shop.

Company facts

William Hill's headquarters is at Greenside House, 50 Station Road, Wood Green, London N22 7TP.
The company has about 15,000 employees based in the UK, Ireland, Israel and Bulgaria, of whom about 25 are UK marketers.
William Hill was the first bookmaker on the web and it has a 25% share of the UK betting market.
It spent £23.7m on global marketing in 2008.
Chief executive Ralph Topping has worked for company since he was 20; Chris Edgington is group marketing director; Adam Harris is marketing controller.