Action Jack seemed pretty impressed with the place and I had a coffee with him to discuss his possible involvement with the club. I don't know Action that well really, but I just think I can work well with him because he is straight and loves analysing poker like me. He told me that he would have played the Monet Carlo millions even if there was no prize money involved, just to play against that field, and he meant it. This sort of attitude is exactly what I'm looking for in a venture like this, people who just dont see the £££ signs.
After the property viewing I went back to Petes', the IT guy, and had a coffee whilst running though the online specification he is working on. I've known Pete for 22 years, he's a C sharp programmer who plays poker at a pretty basic level (I give him 5-1 odds at heads up). He packed in his full time "secure" job with Northgate Sofware 3 weeks ago and has taken a risk to join this venture full time, bearing in mind he's a pretty conservative guy, its a big risk for him (which he annoyingly keeps reminding me about). Technology is going to be very important in this venture, I could have used the IT resource in my recruitment business, but I just felt I needed full time help.
My team of people is slowing coming together, there is possibly room for one more person, a poker pro, and then I'll have a full strength team going into next year. Most of the club employees I have "tapped up" are currently still in full time employment around the UK (some even outside the UK!), and I guess a few of them may get cold feet when it comes to joining next year, but this sort of makes sure we get the right people in the end. Its nice that so many people want to be involved, and noone I have approached has told me to get lost....yet.......although I intend to pay the highest wages in the gaming industry so maybe thats why........
Its also nice that people have offered to invest their own £££ in the project, but I feel more comfortable risking my own cash in something volatile like this and rewarding individuals for there contribution to the venture down the line. Everyone in this venture needs to be passionate about poker and be willing to put themselves out for their customers and eachother, I think I'm assembling a team that can do this. Its my job to put everythng in place and deal with the authorities, and I need to remain focussed on getting the Gaming Licence whilst moving everything else in the right direction.....not getting a Gaming Licence is simply not a option, I cannot allow this to happen or consider it not happening.
One of the key criteria to get the licence will be proving demand, which means getting as many people to sign up before the hearing with the magistrates court, this will be Simon "Chuuby" Nowabs first job when he gets back from St Kitts (although he doesn't know it unless he reads this post tonight!).
Thanks for all your continued support on this site, its much appreciated, and I hope you don't mind me plugging you for ideas - WE NEED A NAME FOR THE CLUB...KEEP THE SUGGESTIONS COMING, I QUITE LIKE "THE BUBBLE"
?? I thought we could have a vote on Blonde when I get back from Vegas.
PS - I've removed the "Collusion in Nottingham" topic I started for 2 reasons.
1. I don't want to get on Gala's wrong side, this is going to me NO favours when applying for the Gaming Licence, I want to keep a good relationship with Gala.
2. It's been debated to the hilt and Nottingham Gala have taken positive action in the Card Room, which is all we can ask for.
