Board Meeting Summary
Meeting Date: Wednesday 29th January 2020
Presentation by Great British Racing
A presentation on the work of Great British Racing, to which HBLB has contributed funding, was given to the Board by the organisation.
Levy Forecast 2019/20
The Board agreed that the full year 20199/20 Levy income forecast of a core range of £85m to £95m, as previously endorsed by the Board, should remain in place.
2020 Expenditure
The Board agreed expenditure allocations for calendar year 2020 totalling some £93m, including prize money and other racing fixture allocations, as well as to non-fixture related expenditure allocations. Further information would be requested from some applicants before final approval was given in certain areas. A full breakdown of allocations would be published in due course.
Board Effectiveness Review
The Board agreed that a Board Effectiveness Review should take place over the first half of 2020 and would be led by a specialist external provider.
Business Plan 2020: Update
The Board considered the further development of its Business Plan and agreed that an update would be given at the February 2020 meeting.
Levy Compliance and Guidance Notes 2019/20
The Board gave consideration to the principles of the planned updates to 2019/20 Levy Guidance Notes to bookmakers and noted that it was intended that the full proposed Guidance Notes would be brought to the Board’s February meeting for final approval.
Annual Report and Accounts 2018/19: Update
The Board noted that the 2018/19 Annual Report and Accounts were expected to be laid in March.
Betting Liaison Group
The Board agreed that, with Wilf Walsh having stood down as chairman of the Betting Liaison Group, the HBLB Chief Executive should chair the Group’s next meeting, with the Group’s 2020 plans and future chairmanship to be considered further.
Management Accounts to 31st December 2019
The Board approved the Management Accounts to 31st December 2019.
Capital Credit Applications: Leicester and Thirsk
The Board approved:
1. A Capital Credit Grant to Leicester racecourse of up to £500,000 to fund an extension to its Weighing Room.
2. A Capital Credit Grant to Thirsk racecourse of £55,000 towards funding an extension to its racecourse stables.