About us

After overcoming a pathological gambling disorder Paul founded EPIC Risk Management (EPIC) in 2014. Having experienced the devastating effects first hand, he wanted to use his experience and knowledge to prevent gambling related harm in the workplace.

Drawing on his 12 years of experience within financial services, he is able to offer his clients a crucial insight into the hidden risks they face, while offering pragmatic and innovative solutions.

Paul regularly makes media appearances to discuss the financial, legal and regulatory risks that problem gambling can have within the workplace, and is now recognised as the industry’s leading gambling harm minimisation expert.

Email: paul@epicriskmanagement.com

Mark was an ex professional Rugby Union player from 1999 - 2011, playing in the UK and Ireland. Mark is now Business Development Manager of EPIC Risk Management, the UK's leading independent gambling-harm minimisation consultancy, currently overseeing the Compass Gambling Awareness Programme within the Criminal Justice System and also delivering gambling awareness sessions within professional sport as part of EPIC's wider programmes. Mark attended Sporting Chance Clinic in 2013 after suffering a 12 year gambling disorder. Gambling completely ruined Mark’s sports career and he is now looking to help prevent others from following the same path.

Email: mark@epicriskmanagement.com

Scott is a former professional footballer whos career was cut short as a result of a crippling gambling addiction that lasted for 9 years.

Eventually, at the age of 27, Scott attended the Sporting Chance rehab clinic and has been clean from a bet since June 8th 2015.

Since leaving the clinic, Scott has attended a number of professional football clubs to deliver education seminars on addiction, to share and to give feedback on how gambling ruined his career. Scott is now using his experiences as the newest member of EPIC's team - predominantly across the 72 clubs of the English Football League (EFL) and other sports.

Scott now plays in the Conference South National league for Slough Town F.C. where he is finding his love for the game once again. His former clubs include Reading, where he plied his trade in the Sky Bet Championship and then moving onto Wycombe Wanderers, Crawley Town, Bristol Rovers, Oxford United and Aldershot Town.

Email: scott@epicriskmanagement.com

Patrick is a former professional cricketer, insurance broker and independent school teacher whose life was torn to shreds by his pathological gambling addiction.Despite his idyllic upbringing and success as a youngster, Patrick's life become monopolised by gambling from his University days onwards as he found making the transition from playing sport and into the real world a huge challenge. His gambling addiction brought him to the verge of taking his own life in March 2018.

The mist has lifted and he has gained some insight into the nature of the condition that was keeping him so unsettled for such a long time and the impact it has had on his life and that of his family.

A need has developed within him to share his journey with young people and their parents and who may be experiencing similar difficulties and is excited at the prospect of what lies ahead.

He is grateful for the opportunity to fracture some of the isolation that comes all too often with gambling addiction and many others manifestations of addictions.

The first step in change is acknowledging that there is a problem, and what that problem is.

Issues around gambling and low-self-esteem are often so ingrained that we are not even consciously aware how they shape who we are and how we see ourselves.

This is why he believes it is important to share his story and experience as this can provide the identification needed in order to change and inspiring people to have the courage and confidence to reach out for help.

Pete joined EPIC in Apr 19 as the Operations Manager. Pete’s role is to assist in the management of all operations of the business and to provide additional learning and development expertise to the organisation, with particular focus on safer gambling, operational and risk training.

Pete joined EPIC from Sky Betting and Gaming, where he led the development of their Safer Gambling training which included material covering customer interaction, dealing with self harm, recognising vulnerability and the creation of their enterprise-wide elearning package.

Prior to joining the industry, Pete served in the Army for 21 years. During this time he trained as an engineer and then latterly as a teacher and training expert and has served all over the World.

With qualifications in law, project management, Lean Six Sigma and a Masters in Educational Practice and Innovation (specialising in eLearning), Pete brings an excellent blend of experience and knowledge to the business.

Email: pete@epicriskmanagement.com

John joined EPIC in May 2019 as our Professional Sport Manager. John's role is to drive the development of this important, high risk area and to assist with the design and delivery of high quality education and awareness programs for professional sports.

He joins EPIC from The Rugby Players' Association where he was responsible for the delivery of the RPA Personal Development Program alongside lifestyle and welfare support to professional rugby union players at several premiership clubs. John brings with him a wealth of experience in a number of sectors across the world having spent time working in Hong Kong and Australia.

A communications graduate from Griffith University in Australia, John has continued his professional development with qualifications in coaching, mentoring and leadership. Having also coached rugby union to international, national and grass roots level across the world John brings a unique and valuable skillset to the business.

Email: john@epicriskmanagement.com

From an early age Mark was a promising footballer, representing his town, county, Bolton Wanderers and Manchester City.
At the age of 16, Mark had a life changing event, which resulted him developing a dysfunctional way of dealing with stress. It was at this age Mark also placed his first bet.
Mark developed a crippling gambling addiction that lasted 13 years. This had a devastating impact on his life.
At the age of 29 Mark attended Gordon Moody Association and has been clean from gambling since. Mark placed his last bet July 24th 2013.
Mark went on to volunteer at Gordon Moody and it was here he developed a passion for preventing others from taking the path he did.
Mark has since gone on to be the co-founder of Whysup with his close friend, Liam McBride, who is also a recovering addict.
Utilising lived experience Whysup focus on prevention and awareness and work in several different sectors which include, education, sport and business.
Epic and Whysup have now formed a shared collaborative approach to combat and reduce gambling related harms.
Mark believes this partnership will ensure more people are educated and gambling is made safer.

Email: markmurray@epicriskmanagement.com

Mike joined EPIC in July 19 as the Brand and Training Specialist. Mike's role is to assist in the delivery of training education, and to have a focus on the development of our brand and media.

Mike joined EPIC from Sky Betting and Gaming, where he worked in the sponsorship team leading on their title partnership of the EFL. As well as working alongside EPIC on the delivery of the responsible gambling education programme to all 72 EFL clubs.

He has a wealth of experience working in the sporting industry, working across various sports in a range of different roles. Mike will bring an excellent blend of experience and knowledge to the business.

Email: mike@epicriskmanagement.com

Claire joined EPIC in 2017 to provide executive support, working alongside the team to coordinate strategy, development and implementation.
Claire reports directly to CEO Paul Buck to make sure projects, processes and people are working efficiently.
Previously Claire worked in education for many years and earned a BEd (Hons) degree from The University of Wales.

Email: claire@epicriskmanagement.com

Daniel has been working for EPIC since 2016, working behind the scenes compiling research, completing presentations and general office support.

Daniel has successfully completed his Level 3 BTEC Business Admin Apprenticeship and as such, was promoted internally into and IT and Administration role. Alongside his full-time employment at EPIC; Daniel is also an Apprentice Ambassador, working to inspire and engage other young people into considering an Apprenticeship.

Daniel is also an F.A Referee, Level 5 and has achieved the accolade of Young Referee of the Year in the Warrington and District Football League.

Email: daniel@epicriskmanagement.com

I have studied in England for the past 5 years and I have completed a level 3 Business Diploma with a double distinction star and studied A-level maths achieving a grade B. I have just completed my second year at University studying Football Business and Finance at UCFB, Etihad Campus.

On my first year of education in the UK I received the award for the most improved and excellent attitude of learning, on my second year the award for the best business student and on my third year the Principal’s award for the overall student of the year. During my second year at university, I attended a CIMA business game and I have been invited to attend a CIMA focus group to discuss the future of finance. I’ve also volunteered to represent the Finance department at the UCFB taster days and did speeches regarding my time at UCFB and answered questions about the course I’m studying. . I write a monthly article for the Finance Newsletter at my university discussing different football events or transfers and I have completed the Smith and Williamson Financial Education course as well.

Alongside my Research job, I am also a maths and business private tutor for school, college and university students and a sales advisor for Fanatics at the Manchester City official store.

Email: anca@epicriskmanagement.com