The Business Exchange Bath & Somerset Issue 7: Spring 2018 | Page 29

IN PROFILE How did you get into the casino business? What will be the casino’s offering for corporates? I left school with no formal qualifications and was working on my father’s market stall in Camden when I stumbled across an advert for a Trainee Croupier in the Evening Standard. I knew my auntie had a background in the Casino industry, so I called her with a million and one questions. What really sold it to me was the opportunity upon qualification to TRAVEL THE WORLD on a cruise ship whilst being paid, tax free! Funny thing is I never did travel in the end, but I spent seven amazing years in Mayfair before taking up this new role in Bath. There will be a private area on the second floor with its own bar and balcony, in which we’re hoping to fit 50-75 people. The room will be available to hire for business events, functions, presentations and meetings. We will more than likely offer team building events/exercises, cocktail classes, business breakfasts, work functions and a small-plate menu. What do you love most about your job? Kartini Sutoto Century Casino Bath From the first day I stepped behind a roulette table it was always about meeting new and interesting people. I know you can meet people in most job roles, but casino workers come across such a wide spectrum of people, from so many different walks of life. I have met people that I will never forget and some very inspiring characters too. My new position at Century Casino Bath has only expanded this aspect of my role. I am thoroughly looking forward to meeting even more people in and around Bath when we open the casino later this year. Working in Mayfair did you entertain many celebrity clients or famous people? Unfortunately, I’m not allowed to mention any names for legal and professional reasons! Let’s just say that during my time in Mayfair I saw my fair share of celebs, actors, royals and billionaires. Kartini is the Business Development Manager for the new, highly anticipated Century Casino Bath, opening this summer in Saw Close, opposite the Theatre Royal. Once complete, it will be a high- end luxury venue with £5 million invested in the interior alone. We met in Society Cafe on Kingsmead Square to find out more about Kartini and her role. Who are Century Casinos? Founded in American in 1992, Century Casinos is an international casino entertainment company. The head office is in Colorado Springs and the opening of the Bath casino marks the company’s first investment in the UK. How is Century Casino Bath shaping up? So far so good. It’s still a building site but its progressing quickly. Every time I visit I notice something new. What do you think is going to be the most impressive part of the casino? When will the casino open its doors for the first time? As it stands we’re on track to open our doors mid-May - so not long to go. How many new jobs is Century Casino creating in Bath? Including all the different departments we hope to employ 90-100 staff. Are you still recruiting? We are currently seeking new trainee croupier candidates, so anyone with a goal to travel the world (or not) this is the job for you. We’re also looking for experienced gaming positions, slot techs, bar managers, bar staff, chefs, waiters/ waitresses, receptionists and more. What are the casino rules? Will there be a dress code? Can you just turn up? Or do you have to book? We will be running an open-door policy, so no there’s no need to become a member. We want to encourage people to come in, even if it’s just to sit in the lounge for a cocktail. However, there will be strict ID checks and a smart/casual dress code. The only bookings we will probably be taking will be for the Beau Nash Suite on the second floor, to prepare the room for private gaming, functions etc. Will there be a launch party? Definitely! And more than one. Ideally, we’d like to hold an opening for family and friends as a practice run, then a second opening for all the people we’ve met along the way (local businesses, neighbours, partners, suppliers etc), and finally a grand public opening. And finally, what’s your favourite thing about Bath? That is a very hard question to answer. Probably that it’s incredibly beautiful and compact, yet so cosmopolitan. For me it will be the grand staircase with a unique light feature leading up to the first floor, and the Beau Nash suite on the second floor. WORK - MEET - EVENTS - CAFÉ –– Be part of the innovative south-west business community at Hartham Park MAKE HISTORY 01249 700 000 Harthampark.com Corsham, Wiltshire Just off M4 Junction 17 THE BUSINESS EXCHANGE 2018 29