GBGB owners representative Paul Ephremsen has unveiled his innovation panel of nine people plucked from across the greyhound industry.
He will be joined on the ‘think tank’ by fellow board member/trainer Pete Harnden, owner/lawyer Diane McLean, Towcester boss Kevin Ackerman, owner/syndication expert Steve Fluin, journalist/webmaster Paul Millward, owner/TV producer Dave Lawrence, owner/breeder Stuart Forsdike and Greyhound Star editor Floyd Amphlett.
Ephremsen said: “My intention is for us to meet 3 times a year, and to do our best to focus on positive ideas for change, rather than spending our time focussing on the negatives. As we are all aware the sport faces some big challenges, but for now let’s assume the incoming CEO will be responsible for developing a strategic plan for the sport (we don’t currently seem to have one!), allowing this group to focus specifically on owner related opportunities. We have an opportunity to make a difference if I am able to go to the board with well thought through initiatives and requests for budgets for innovative ideas that will grow the ownership base and improve the ownership experience for the future.
“I would also like this Panel to take a look at welfare from a strategic perspective. It is clear from reading many of the greyhound related social media platforms that owners are frustrated with the GBGB on this whole topic so as a panel it feels right that we focus some of our time on this challenge with a view to making some recommendations to the board.
The first task for this panel is to clarify goals and objectives for my role. I will communicate these to owners so that transparency and accountability is at the heart of what we are trying to achieve.”
Each meeting will last a working day with the first scheduled for mid July.
