Member Article

Student bets on success with online info service

An online betting information service has earned a Newcastle University student two top business awards. Robin Scott, a final year law student, set up Systemlays UK in June 2005 to provide would-be punters with detailed information for placing and laying bets on betting exchanges.The system, which is based on a database of horse ratings, landed Robin the top prize in the e-business section of Newcastle University’s Enterprise Challenge awards before earning the life-long racing fan the TEDCO Award for Overall Business Viability. Robin said: “I’d sold quite a number of e-publications on eBay but realised I could make more by cutting out the middle man and selling directly on my own site. “The site is based on a computer database of horse ratings I’ve developed over the past decade. It’s updated daily with details of things such as horse times and going reports to provide detailed race predictions. “It’s proved very popular with punters as the number of betting exchanges, such as Betfair, have grown. It’s used by everyone from total novices through to experienced tipsters.“Members pay a monthly subscription to receive daily tips and lay selections. Such has been the popularity of the site (www.24hourtrading.co.uk) that Robin has even been approached with a job offer by the chief executive of Skybet. Robin added: “It was flattering to receive the offer but I’m busy with my finals at the moment, so everything’s on the back burner for a while. Once I’m finished, I plan to use my prize to relaunch the company and drive up subscriptions.“The Enterprise Challenge, which is organised by the Careers Service Enterprise Unit at Newcastle University, showcases the work and ideas of the University’s most enterprising students. This year’s competition attracted 62 business plans, with some of the winners going on to represent the University in the regional Blueprint business competition, which will be held at the Hilton Hotel on October 18.Robin plans to use the funding provided by e-business award sponsor, Tyne and Wear Development Company, to develop and market the firm.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .