HOME OUR PRODUCTS SUPPORT MATERIALS ABOUT US OUR BLOG OUR JOBS CONTACT US INNSTAY CLEAR COOL BROWSE CATEGORIES Events Fruit Machines General News New Products Other Pool Tables Press BROWSE DATES Browse dates Select Month April 2020 November 2018 October 2018 August 2018 January 2018 October 2017 September 2017 August 2017 January 2017 July 2016 May 2016 October 2015 August 2015 July 2015 May 2015 January 2015 November 2014 September 2014 August 2014 July 2014 May 2014 January 2014 October 2013 August 2013 April 2013 December 2012 November 2012 October 2012 September 2012 August 2012 June 2012 May 2012 April 2012 March 2012 Our Blog Any questions? Call us on 0191 217 3720 or click here VDarts: The Latest Entertainment Trend To Hit Pubs & Bars by Bob Rudd on April 14, 2020 | Leave a comment Want to entice some new customers to your venue? Looking for the latest trend to create a buzz in your bar? Look no further than our VDarts electronic dartboards. READ MORE 5 of the Most Christmassy Pubs by Bob Rudd on November 21, 2018 | Leave a comment • Tagged as: christmas Christmas spirit is in full flow so we’ve taken a look back at some of the most Christmassy pubs over the years to give you some festive inspiration. 1. The Queen Victoria Inn, Somerset The Queen Victoria Inn, Somerset (SWNS.com, 2017) READ MORE 5 Minutes With Our Technical Director Kevin by Bob Rudd on October 1, 2018 | Leave a comment To mark Kevin’s birthday and his 14th year working for The Rudd Group we have conducted a little Q&A to find out a little more about the man himself! READ MORE The Independent Selection by Bob Rudd on August 16, 2018 | Leave a comment • Tagged as: digital fruit machine, gamepro, ipub3, king of games We’d like to introduce to you to…The Independent Selection, the most comprehensive collection of digital fruit machines on the UK market. READ MORE Bob Rudd and Essex Leisure Sign iPub3 Deal by Bob Rudd on August 8, 2018 | Leave a comment Hot off the press! Read all about our latest deal to include another leading digital product in our portfolio: https://www.intergameonline.com/casino/news/bob-rudd-and-essex-leisure-sign-ipub3-deals READ MORE The Difference With Digital by Bob Rudd on January 29, 2018 | Leave a comment Since we started investing in and managing digital fruit machines over 5 years ago the industry has come a long way. It’s now safe to say that most players (not all) have adapted to the new machine style and enjoy the way the machines play. READ MORE Host a Play a Pro Pool Night by Bob Rudd on October 12, 2017 | Leave a comment Ever wanted to create a brilliant atmosphere in your venue on a quiet night? Why not host a “Play A Pro” pool night?! Here’s a step by step for a successful event once you’ve bagged yourself a pro (note a “pro” could even be one of your regular pool players who fancies showing off their skills): READ MORE Alternative Pool Table Games by Bob Rudd on September 29, 2017 | Leave a comment We supply pool tables to a variety of venues across the UK, now we want to ensure you’re making the most of them! Take a look below at some great pool games you may not have heard of. If you would like any of the rules sending out to you to inform your customers please just drop us a note here. 1. One Pocket Pool – For the Pros – Balls are placed into the rack randomly – Each player picks a pocket – This is the pocket they will have to pot their balls in to for the entire game – 1 point is scored for every ball potted into their nominated pocket – When a player reaches 8 points they win the game – Players lose 1 point every time they foul Find out more about One Pocket Pool here. 2. Stunt Pool – Here the same rules as 8 ball are applied apart from the fact that straight shots are not allowed – Players can only make shots using the below – Swerve Shot – here the cue is held almost vertical to create a large amount of spin on the cue ball – Jump Shot – here the cue ball must bounce over an obstructing ball – Bank Shot – Any shot that uses the cushion – Feel free to add in your own “stunt shots” 3. Opposite-Handed Pool – for a laugh – If you’re bored of playing regular pool then why not give this game a go – Ask each player to use their cue in the opposite way – This will make the game much more difficult ….and a little funnier Don’t hesitate to get in touch if you require any more info, here at Bob Rudd we have all the tools to help you get the most out of your pool table. Take a look at our pool table range here. The Rudd Group Launch by Bob Rudd on September 26, 2017 | Leave a comment Hello! We wanted to share the exciting news that we have now created The Rudd Group to encompass all of our entities; Bob Rudd, Innstay UK Ltd and Clear Cool. We’ve grown a great deal in the last few years and wanted to acknowledge this by creating clarity and distinction between each sector. Check out the new logo: Incase you didn’t know we operate three organisations: Bob Rudd – gaming and amusement machine suppliers Innstay – suppliers of innovative technology including EPoS, music systems and security solutions Clear Cool – suppliers of ice makers, glass washers and bottle coolers on a rental or purchase basis If you would like any more info on the above please give us a call on 0800 7311 026 or contact us. Beat the Buzzer – Duke of Albany, Washington by Bob Rudd on August 9, 2017 | Leave a comment Last night saw us unite with Brian “Buzzer” Halcrow at The Duke of Albany in Washington as part of our plan to increase the pool offering for our customers. Buzzer is former world No.8 and UK No.3 in World Eight Ball Pool, he has used his extraordinary talent to travel the world and now he’s travelling the UK with us! At Bob Rudd we’re keen to increase the emphasis placed on pool and gaming zones of pubs and bars, we see the value in bringing people together in a community venue and encouraging them to participate. The event last night was a great success and saw regulars from the pool team playing Buzzer alongside pool amateurs who were just up for a laugh. What would normally have been a quiet Tuesday night turned in to a fun filled evening’s entertainment. If you are interested in hiring Buzzer for the evening please just get in touch – helena.rudd@bobrudd.co.uk and we’ll set it up, you’re certainly in for a night to remember! Bob Rudd Hosts Elderly at Christmas by Bob Rudd on January 20, 2017 | Leave a comment We had a great time working with the charity Contact the Elderly to reach out to lonely people in our area at Christmas. Blueprint Signs Major Order With Bob Rudd In First Hour Of EAG by Bob Rudd on January 20, 2017 | Leave a comment Read all about our latest purchase of digital AWPs: Warrington Has Moved by Bob Rudd on July 21, 2016 | Leave a comment As you may know we recently moved our Warrington depot to a bigger location in Wigan. Please see below the reasons why we made the move: As we have now increased office space we would like to invite our customers to use our Wigan depot as a meeting space. Please just give Bernie a call on 07808 627152 to arrange. We’re ready for the Bank of England changes by Bob Rudd on July 6, 2016 | Leave a comment We’re pleased to announce we are on track with our adjustments for the new polymer note and £1 coin to be released by the Bank of England. Read all about it here! Polymer Note Press Release 040716 Press – It’s All Fun and Games by Bob Rudd on May 4, 2016 | Leave a comment We’re featured in a fantastic article from The Morning Advertiser, all about how there is still a place for gaming and amusement equipment in British pubs. Click below to read the full piece. Click Here Latest Press by Bob Rudd on October 29, 2015 | Leave a comment Read all about our latest piece in the Morning Advertiser here: (Click to enlarge) Morning Advertiser 29th Oct 2015 The Year So Far by Bob Rudd on August 20, 2015 | Leave a comment Here’s a great article from the Newcastle Journal all about our successes over the past year: Newcastle gaming machine firm Bob Rudd enjoys strong year with founder’s son as new MD Recent successes at the Newcastle firm include six figure contract with plc that had never previously used regional operators A Newcastle firm that supplies gaming machines throughout the entire UK has enjoyed a string of successes since has its founder’s son took over as managing director in May last year. Nick Rudd, previously operations and marketing director at Bob Rudd Gaming & Amusement Machines, has completed a management buy-out of the company to become the main shareholder, after his father Bob stepped down from the top role to take up chairmanship of the business. Soon after the changes were initiated, the firm won a contract to become the sole supplier for 30 Harnser Inns pubs, and another with the Archdiocese of Liverpool to supply social clubs with 200 items. Since then a host of high profile work has come its way including: * a six-figure, three-year contract involving around 160 machines with a major plc that had never before used a regional operator; * a 50% volume increase in its supply to Daniel Thwaites, equating to an additional 40 pubs; * an increased holding with JD Wetherspoon; and * the sole supply of 35 Enjoy Pubs sites. “It’s been a busy time – and challenging,” Nick Rudd said of his time at the top so far. “But being involved in all aspects of the business and being the ultimate decision maker has been interesting. “It’s been pleasing to see all the work that we’ve won as well as the growth of our existing contracts. We’re improving our operations all the time and continuing to innovate.” The company, which was established in 1989 and supplies fruit machines, jukeboxes, quiz machines and pool tables, also increased its staff headcount slightly from 120 to 125. Among those to join was Charlotte Rudd, Mr Rudd’s sister, who has taken up the role of HR director, helping introduce a more “proactive” approach to that aspect of the business. The company, which has five UK locations, closed its Newark depot to relocate to Nottingham, giving its additional space and a larger, improved catchment area, with easier access to places such as Lancashire. Improved online presence and social media has also been a running theme, both within Bob Rudd itself and through its sister company Innstay, which was established two-and-a-half years ago. The latter’s product portfolio is based around attracting customers into pubs, keeping them there for longer periods and encouraging them to return. Among its offerings are pub entertainment systems, push button games, managed wifi solutions and a new social media management product. “Going forward, we’re looking at stability,” Mr Rudd said. “It’s been a busy work and we want to embed the results of that properly and make sure we’re operationally aligned. “But we are also hoping to bring out a new product range that isn’t gaming and amusement equipment-based but fits well within our infrastructure.” Premium is Key by Bob Rudd on July 23, 2015 | Leave a comment We recently published an article in Coinslot magazine outlining why we believe premium is key and how we deliver a premium offering with all of our products. Read the article below: Gaming machine supplier, Bob Rudd are currently focusing on how to continue to develop a premium product offer for all of their customers to access. The company are working to set themselves apart from the regional and national competition by delivering a higher product standard across the board. Traditional AWPs have always been the main income stream for the gaming supplier. Bob Rudd are looking at how they can promote other products to deliver a similar life span. Digital AWP is eventually on an upward trend and Bob Rudd’s dedicated digital analyst monitors all of their machines daily to ensure each machine has a menu tailored to the surrounding community. Pool tables are an overlooked gem according to the company, “this piece of equipment is key to attracting mid week wet sales. We have developed a Premium Pool offering designed to attract local pool teams. The income generated by such teams in terms of wet and dry sales can turn around mid week trade” Nick Rudd, Managing Director. The Premium Pool Package consists of quality cloth, expert cues and professional level balls to set each site apart from the competition. The ever-diminishing position that is the quiz machine has also had a face-lift by Bob Rudd, they now have the ability to attach a Mobile Charging Device to the SWP which has been invented and developed in house by the firm. Technical Director Kevin has worked hard to come up with this viable addition to the historical machine. This offers a service that most customers are now looking for in each venue and it gives the site a chance to monetise this. Bob Rudd are a firm believer in moving with the times when it comes to jukeboxes and are continuously upgrading their musical estate with the latest online offering. Customers expect hundreds of thousands of songs at their fingertips and want to be able to find their favourite track quickly and easily. With services such as Spotify, jukebox manufacturers have now realised the need to have genres and pre populated playlists for customers to choose from, and ultimately purchase more than one song from. These are just a few of the ways the family run company are upgrading their product portfolio to keep up with the ever changing demands of the licensed trade. Their ongoing enthusiasm for the industry and commitment to their customers has led to significant business gains over the last 12 months. This includes a significant increase in business with Daniel Thwaites with whom they have just signed a new contract; Thwaites have awarded further business in four out of Bob Rudd’s 5 depots. The company are also pleased to announce new business with a major PLC. Bob Rudd look forward to working with both companies to further improve their place in the market. The Importance of Running Regular Event Nights by Bob Rudd on May 15, 2015 | Leave a comment Have you ever thought of the importance of regular events and attractions in your venue? More often than not the quiz night and pool matches become part of the furniture and their importance takes a back seat. If you sit down and tally the positive impact these nights have on your bottom line you can often be astonished. For example we can look at pool matches. Quite often a venue will host a pool match once a week or once a fortnight, these pool matches attract a squad of players and an audience of circa 20 people for the home team and 12 for the away team. After some market research it is believed that the majority of customers who have come in for the pool match buy around 4-5 pints each. If we tally that up that is a weekly average of around 128 pints in one night! Just think of the boost for your pub on what would normally be a quiet night. Lets look at how to start a successful regular event night in your venue. Make sure that all staff are onboard with the event, this is essential to ensure each night runs promptly and attracts customers back every week. If your bar staff aren’t sure on the idea they won’t encourage customers to come a long, their backing is essential. This is split up into two types, in venue and out of venue. Word of mouth is the best form of promotion to customers already in your venue, tell everyone you serve a drink about it, or if you’re too busy why not get some flyers or business cards printed describing the event and give them to people with every round? You could also use advertising on your TV screens and posters to target those customers that do not go to the bar. To reach people outside of the venue, look to do both traditional and modern methods of marketing. Ensure you have a banner or blackboard outside your venue with all of the event details on to catch the eye of anyone walking or driving past. Social media is also a very good tool to grab the attention of local people. Make sure you have social media accounts on Facebook and Twitter and keep them updated with how the event planning is going. You can also pay a small amount on these websites to boost your posts or create adverts to reach people who do not already follow you on social media. If you are lucky enough to have a database of customers emails then send them an e-shot telling them all about the new night. Remember to give an incentive to all customers coming for the first couple of weeks; this might be cheaper drinks or free snacks during the night. If you are short on time or resource to commit to marketing and running a weekly event there are many products now in the marketplace that can help! A variety of pub entertainment systems will allow on screen advertising and also on screen games such as bingo, key to the box and quizzes. These can all be set to auto play so minimum effort is required from your or your staff. For a small fee many companies will help you out with your social media, whether this is managing it from start to finish or getting it up and running for you to take over. Building a customer email database to market to can also be tiresome, why not install managed Wi-Fi in your pub? This does all of the hard work for you, any time someone logs onto your Wi-Fi you are given his or her name and email address. Use this to send them promotional news and offers. We have a sister company called Innstay who are experienced and qualified in supplying any of the products mentioned above, if you are interested in anything mentioned why not visit their website, just click below. This article was originally created by Bob Rudd for the FLVA Newsletter, we would like to thank the editor for including our piece in their publication. Have a Little Think… by Bob Rudd on January 28, 2015 | Leave a comment Have you thought about your choices if the Market Rent Option affects your Gaming Machines as well as your Beer? Towards the end of last year, MPs voted to include a market rent only option clause for tied tenants in the pubs code. This applies to any companies with over 500 pubs that include at least one tied/tenanted site. At the moment the act only legally applies to the beer tie within the pubs however we all know this may spread to affect other areas such as the gaming and amusement machine equipment. If the clause does spread further than just beer then overnight publicans will have far more choice of machine supplier. That being said here are some key points to ensure you have the best supplier possible for your site: Do you have good quality machines in your pub? Your supplier should be investing in new machines for your site as the latest games are proven to make more cash in box. They should also be installing machines that have high approval rates, this means that the machine has been thoroughly tested in the market place and has received good takings in a variety of sites. Are you getting the best technical service? If your machine goes faulty you may be starting to lose money instantly, that’s why you need an excellent service response time. Its also important that the technicians who turn up on site are fully qualified with a high first time fix rate so they don’t need to visit again. Do you receive regular contact from your account manager? Account managers are invaluable at being able to ensure the machines sited are the most suitable ones for your site. They should also be informing you of any new products that might help boost your business. Have you been taught how to refill your machines? Refilling is the single greatest way of boosting the cash in box of your machines. Do it everyday! Here at Bob Rudd our collectors ensure that the hopper (pay out unit) is full at £350, this means the note acceptor is working and therefore core players know the machine is full, it can lead to an increase of 25% in your cash box! Are your collections frequent? It may seem irrelevant but having frequent collections is a great security measure. The more frequently your machine is emptied the less of a target it is for break-ins. The collectors are also often the first people to spot technical faults or security warnings. Finally, are all of your machines fitted with the highest anti fraud devices? Sadly we still see machines that are hit by complex frauds, if the machines are fitted with the right security software such as DES (Data Encryption Service) then this leaves a much smaller ability for them to be tampered with. Another key security features include operator specific fraud prevention; this is where the individual operator adds their own security features to further secure their own estate. It’s an exciting time in the pub industry and it is important that you know your options when the clause comes into place. This article was our contribution to the January edition of the FLVA’s Publican’s Partner newsletter. 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For more information on any of our products, call us today on 0191 217 3720, or contact one of our branches Newcastle Head Office Contact: Jackie Wakelam Tel: 0191 217 3720 Jackie.wakelam @bobrudd.co.uk Hawthorn House Brunswick Ind Estate Brunswick Village Newcastle Upon Tyne NE13 7BA Haydock Office Contact: Michelle Robson Tel: 01942 726 172 michelle.robson @bobrudd.co.ukk 406 Easter Park Haydock Lane Haydock St Helens WA11 9TH Leeds Office Contact: Simon Broadbent Tel: 0113 270 8030 simon.broadbent @bobrudd.co.uk Unit 2 The Moorings Waterside Industrial Park Stourton Leeds LS10 1RW Keswick Office Contact: Michelle Robson Tel: 01768 779 761 michelle.robson @bobrudd.co.uk Unit 8 Blencathra Business Centre Threlkeld Quarry Park Keswick CA12 4TR Birmingham Office Contact: Anita Bickerstaffe Tel: 0121 3275 526 anita.bickerstaffe @bobrudd.co.uk Unit 46 Gravelly Industrial Park Birmingham B24 8HZ Terms & Conditions | Site Map