Ivan Yates, chairman and managing director of Celtic Bookmakers, former TD and co-presenter of Newstalk 106-108 fm’s Breakfast, says he believes in “the tyranny of the multiples” and that “the likes of Tesco will rule the world”, so when it comes to taking on competition in the current climate he is pragmatic.
“It’s a bit like the war in Iraq – you can’t take on the various groups on every front. For now, with each shop I aim to stick to the knitting, by being the best shop in Blackrock or wherever.
“A lot of entrepreneurs are having sleepless nights at the moment. One of the things I’ve realised, especially with a family-run business, is the need to let go. Sometimes the person who set up the business isn’t the one to run it when it is well established. My son is coming into the business now and I’ve diversified into other areas,” Yates says.
Photo: Ivan Yates, chairman and managing director of Celtic Bookmakers and co-presenter of Newstalk 106-108 fm’s Breakfast
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