Innovation, Trade and Rural Development
June 26, 2009Local Company
Positions Itself as Leader in Gaming Industry
The Provincial Government today announced a $500,000
term loan to The British Group, formerly British Confectionery Ltd.,
that will help to position the company at the forefront of the gaming
industry. The investment enables the company to acquire new
technology that strengthens its competitiveness and fulfill agreements
with Canadian-based lottery corporations.
"The British Group is a resilient company that has a
long-standing history of servicing the gaming community," said the
Honourable Shawn Skinner, Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural
Development. "The introduction of this new technology enhances the
company�s ability to generate new revenue and better compete globally.
As a government, we are working aggressively to help support local
businesses compete nationally and around the world. With increased
success, we are helping stimulate economic growth, employment creation,
and new business opportunities."
North America�s gaming industry is a multi-billion
dollar industry that constantly demands its suppliers look for new and
improved ways of offering products and services. By investing in new
technology, The British Group will be meeting customer demands, and
staying on the leading edge of its industry.
"As the security concerns of major lottery
organizations around the world become more prevalent, this new
technology enables our company to deliver enhanced security solutions to
our major clients," said Blair Connolly, Vice-President, Sales &
Marketing of The British Group. "This investment positions us as a
leader in this highly competitive market."
The company was first awarded a contract to supply the Atlantic Lottery
Corporation (ALC) with its pull-tab tickets in 1992. In the years
since, its client-base has grown to include the British Columbia Lottery
Corporation, the Massachusetts State Lottery and many major Canadian,
United States, and United Kingdom-based distributors.
"Today�s announcement reflects the innovative business climate that
is emerging in the province," said Elizabeth Marshall, MHA, Topsail.
"I am pleased that The British Group has identified opportunities to
expand its operations. Its expansion will not only pay dividends for the
company but contribute to the overall growth of the community, region,
and province."
Based in Mount Pearl, The British Group was first
established as a wholesale confectionary distributor in 1958. The
company currently has 70 employees and is anticipated to increase
employment as it delivers on new contracts.
This initiative was provided through the Small and
Medium-Sized Enterprise (SME) Fund, which through Budget 2009:
Building on Our Strong Foundation has more than $12 million
available for investment. The SME Fund is available for start-up,
modernization, or expansion of a business venture in key growth sectors.
A maximum of $500,000 is available per project with an applicant
investment of up to 20 per cent of project costs.
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