Irwin Mitchell’s Leeds office wins SkyBet legal role

The Leeds branch of law national firm Irwin Mitchell has been appointed to work with Sky Betting & Gaming after winning a competitive pitch process.

Irwin Mitchell will now be tasked with providing the business a the full range of employment law support, including strategic advice on day-to-day HR issues.

Formed in 2001, Sky Betting & Gaming currently operates five major online products; Bet, Vegas, Casino, Poker and Bingo.

The business is the fifth largest player in the UK market and has delivered an annualised growth operating profit of over 40% and a fourfold increase in revenues over the last five years.

In December 2014, Sky Betting & Gaming became an independent company after Sky, its parent company, sold a majority share to CVC Capital Partners in a deal valuing the business at £800m.

Leeds-based Employment Associate, Jenny Arrowsmith, with support from Employment Partner Glenn Hayes, led the pitch.

Jenny said: “This is a superb and exciting win for the Leeds office. We believe we can build an effective, trusting and long-lasting partnership with Sky Betting & Gaming and we’re confident we can deliver commercial and pragmatic support to assist them in achieving their future strategic goals.”

Gerry James, HR director at Sky Betting & Gaming, added: “We were very impressed with Irwin Mitchell and the strong synergies that exist between our two businesses. They clearly understand the issues that we face and we feel very comfortable with working with them in the future.”