By Aine Coffey Sunday Times Business January 20, 2013
BOYLESPORTS, the Dundalk based bookmaker led by John Boyle, has launched an overhaul of its training after controversy over compulsory “mindfulness” courses introduced last year.
The bookie has brought in Tom McCarthy, the former chief executive of the Irish Management Institute, to review all its training. Staff were told of the development in a letter from Boyle last Friday. The “mindfulness” courses sparked controversy in light of Boyle’s previous public endorsement of the “mind technology” ideas espoused by the controversial guru Tony Quinn, and because the course trainer had been linked to Quinn. “Mindfulness, like all training within the company is still a subject of review and that is why we have brought in Tom McCarthy,” the company said this weekend. “Mindfulness training served a particular purpose for the company at a particular time and it is not something that will be offered in future.”
Boyle also told staff in the letter that Boylesports, which is an unlimited company, had a profitable 2012 and expects a profitable 2013. “Investment in our retail business will be ongoing and as we continue do our absolute best I am very confident we will be able again increase our overall employee numbers in 20013.”
Boylesports, which took over 32 that were previously part of Celtic Bookmakers and William Hill, has 1,200 employees and has been adding numbers. A new company website will be rolled out in the coming months, Boyle’s letter said.
Filed under: Tony Quinn Tagged: | “mindfulness” or was it mindlessness?
It looks like John Boyle has come to his senses about ‘mindfulness’ training, at least, on the surface. I doubt it would have happened without contribution from Dialogue. If what he is saying is actually true it just goes to show that changes can be made when there is genuine concern for the staff in Boylesports. It will be interesting to hear what they think of Tom McCarthy. Will he be obliged to attend a Tony Quinn’s seminar? Given the role that Gorgina Dolan has had is it possible that she scrutinised and colour coded him for job suitability or possibly engaged him in the cult mind-set to assess suitability for a seminar?
I think the decision was made to protect themselves and Tony Quinn from negative media coverage. Very interesting change of events. Well done Dialogue.