From Candy to Tickets
The story of the British Group begins in1958, with the founding of British Confectionary Limited. We were originally wholesalers of candy and related products to loyal and committed customers, many of whom had ties to the bingo industry in Newfoundland and Labrador.
This work eventually lead to our diversification into bingo supplies, where we provided paper, dabbers and other accessories to halls throughout the province. Eventually, as a result of client demand, we began to sell break-open tickets, or Nevadas, to those same halls
Seeing a strong market opportunity, we decided to develop our own ticket manufacturing capability. In 1992, we won the contract to supply break-open tickets to the Atlantic Lottery Corporation (ALC). It has now been over 18 years since that turning point, and we have never looked back.
British Bazaar, our break-open ticket division, grew and quickly expanded its scope of operations. We were successful in winning the contract for the Manitoba Lottery Corporation, one we held for many years. In 2008 we were awarded a contract to supply break-opens to the British Columbia Lottery Corporation. We also began to look beyond Canada, making our move into international markets such as the United States and United Kingdom
Satellite Takes Off
In 1999, British approached the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador with a proposal that would radically change the face of charity bingo in the province. Satellite bingo would be a nightly, province-wide event with a jackpot far beyond what any local hall could offer. Delivered by satellite signal in real time to halls, the game would pool sales to create a new level of exciting prizes.
Atlantic Star Satellite Bingo Network was launched on November 14, 2000. Driven by huge jackpot wins, it has grown steadily in popularity ever since. Now known as Atlantic Star Satellite Network (ASSN), it services over 70 halls and we continue to seek expansion to other areas.
A Time of Crisis, a Time of Opportunity
In 2005, British Group was dealt the greatest setback in our corporate history. In September of that year our facility was destroyed by fire just as the day shift began work. Although there were no injuries, the damage to the company was enormous. However, what could have been the end became a chance at a new beginning.
We reinvented ourselves after the fire, with a promise to make our new plant the most advanced and efficient facility of its kind in the industry. Partnered with print industry giants including Heidelberg and Automatan, our new plant is equipped with state-of-the-art machines and has several times more production capacity than before. When we returned to operations in the summer of 2006, it was with a renewed purpose and determination.
New Directions
With our new plant has come new capabilities. British has now expanded aggressively into the commercial printing industry and we have continuously increased our range of print, bindery and specialty die-cutting services. Coupling our new equipment with talented, committed people has made our Commercial Print division a serious player in the industry.
British Group Today
As we begin a new decade, British Group is looking forward to a future of continued success and growth. With our feet still firmly planted in the break-open gaming industry, we continue to make inroads into commercial printing, sign-making and specialty die-cutting as well as expanding our digital horizons with ASSN and our new British Group Interactive project.
