Being an independent organisation is a highly positive characteristic in today's business world, according to the majority of respondents to a survey undertaken by the country's second largest operator of gaming machines.
The IOA Group survey, which was conducted among a sample of 452 customers, suppliers and industry stakeholders, found that 91 per cent of respondents believed having an independent status represented a positive characteristic. In response to a separate question, fewer than one in five (18 per cent) said that they felt more secure entering into business agreements with PLCs than with independently owned organisations.
Reflecting on the survey findings, IOA Group chairman John Powell commented: "This has been an illuminating initiative which has identified a number of important opportunities and supported our perception of the business as well as challenging the conventional wisdom. Clearly the issue of independence has struck a chord with our sample.
"Because the IOA is independent of any manufacturing interests it certainly makes it much easier to have an open and constructive dialogue with games developers and to provide truly impartial advice and consultancy to our customers. Our independence means that manufacturers and developers are coming to the IOA first to test their products prior to launch and to explore future opportunities. As a result we are very close to this sector and are able to feed back on the operational requirements of our customers."
