CURRENT ACCOUNT: Paddy Power, which has built its name on innovation and customer service, was not about to forget its roots this week in the excitement of announcing results that showed a doubling of profit alongside a bullish outlook for the year ahead.

John O'Reilly and Ross Ivers took over one of the company's city centre betting offices to host the results' presentation. The occupation of the Baggot St Lower branch by the suits was bound to discomfit the regular customers, whose business has made the Irish betting offices the rock on which its success is built.

Many other companies might have dismissed the inconvenience with a curt: "Sorry lads. The office is closed till around noon." But not Paddy Power - at least not quite.

Its "sorry lads" spiel was softened with the handing over of free betting vouchers - in white envelopes, we hasten to add - to tempt punters back at lunchtime.

That just gave executives time to announce record turnover, details of the successful debut year of its British phone operation and plans to expand its nascent betting-office operation in England as well as its more established Irish presence.

Losing the run of itself entirely, the bookies also offered the assembled media a €25 charity bet on one of eight races at the upcoming Cheltenham Festival. Given the tipping skill of those in attendance, Stewart Kenny and Co might have been better advised to hand the €25 a head directly to the charity without awaiting the outcome.