Following the news that Praesepe, one of the UK's largest operating companies, has quit the trade association BACTA, it has been announced that the company's chief executive, Nick Harding, has joined the board of directors at Business In Sport and Leisure.
Commenting on Harding’s appointment at BISL, executive chairman David Teasdale said: "There’s no doubt that Nick will strengthen our board significantly. Not only does he bring considerable hands-on commercial experience of launching and growing successful gaming brands in the UK, he has also played a leading role in trade bodies.
"In addition, he has served as a Trustee of the Responsibility in Gambling Trust, an advisor to not-for-profit responsible gaming agency GamCare, a director of the European Amusement and Gaming Expo and was founding chairman of iGGBA, the UK ‘s first trade body representing online gaming operators. His powerful insight into gaming and the issues it faces will undoubtedly enhance BISL’s status as the mouthpiece for this very important industry sector."
Looking ahead to his new role, Harding commented: "BISL has a deserved reputation for providing a unified and balanced voice of reason to government on behalf of its members. There’s no doubt that low stake, high volume gaming requires strong and effective representation. Operators, machine manufacturers and resort economies throughout the country are still waiting for the coalition government to uphold the promises made in opposition to relax the regulations relating to B3 machines.
"Added to this, the sector will have the added burden of January’s increase in VAT, which cannot be passed on to players.
"These are very important issues for all gaming businesses and I am looking forward to working with BISL to take the industry’s strategic case to government and regulators."
