The Prize Competition Council (PCC) has appointed Tom Banks as its first Executive Director, with a focus on supporting members’ compliance with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) Code of Good Practice for Prize Draw Operators and representing the sector to government and regulators.
The trade association, formed earlier this year, has grown from eight founding members to 65, reflecting its expansion since launch.
Banks will help members meet the requirements of the DCMS Code, promote best practices across the market and encourage more operators to join the council. The PCC represents members in discussions with government, regulators, the media and other stakeholders.
He brings more than 13 years of experience in public affairs, corporate communications and reputation management, including work on elections and for political parties.
Banks spent four years advising Kindred as a consultant at Public First before joining the company in-house for a further four years. Most recently, he served as Head of External Relations at FDJ UNITED.
His experience includes government engagement and regulatory change across the UK and Europe, as well as work on consumer protection, social responsibility and public-facing campaigns.
George McGregor, independent chair of the Prize Competition Council, said supporting members with the DCMS Code was the council’s immediate priority.
“The Prize Competition Council now represents 65 members, and supporting them with the requirements of the DCMS Code is our immediate priority. Tom brings experience of explaining complex regulatory issues to government, regulators and the media across the UK and Europe,” McGregor stated.
“He understands the scrutiny facing businesses that serve the public and the need to support what they say with evidence. That experience will help PCC represent our members and explain how responsible prize competition operators work. I’m very pleased to welcome him as Executive Director,” McGregor said.
Banks said the council would also focus on explaining the sector’s operations, promoting responsible practices and ensuring its members’ views were represented in decisions affecting the market.
“Millions of people across the UK enter prize draws and competitions each year. The Prize Competition Council has an important role in explaining how the market works, championing responsible operators and making sure the sector’s voice is heard when decisions affecting it are made,” Banks said.
“My first priority will be listening to members and supporting their work under the DCMS Code. I also want us to make a confident case for the sector by showing the standards responsible operators uphold, explaining how prize competitions work and representing the people who choose to take part.
“That means engaging early and constructively with government, regulators and the media while continuing to raise standards across the market. I’m looking forward to working with George, the board and our members.“