BACTA, the body that represents the UK amusement industry, has announced Steve Hawkins of Essex Leisure as its new president.
His appointment was announced at BACTA’s National Council, which had come together to tackle issues including the stake and prize review of amusement machines, the impact of MGD and the regeneration of coastal tourism.
Hawkins said: “The last few years have seen the industry rocked by economic decline and tax rises. Our members have had to work very hard to keep their businesses alive. My priority is to continue to support them in this effort – family entertainment centres, adult gaming centres, amusement machine suppliers and machine manufacturers are part of the essential fabric of Britain’s heritage and we want to safeguard their futures.”
Hawkins has been in the industry since the late seventies and Essex Leisure is one of the largest operators in the south-east of England. He has sat on BACTA’s National Council for the last 12 years and was previously BACTA's vice president. He is also an enthusiastic fundraiser for the organisation’s charity partner, Rays of Sunshine, which grants wishes to children with serious illnesses throughout the UK.
BACTA chief executive Leslie MacLeod-Miller commented: “Our outgoing president, Derek Petrie, has made an outstanding contribution to BACTA’s profile with key decision makers and we have benefited from his knowledge and commitment. Steve’s expertise regarding the amusement machine supply industry will bring a new focus on the importance of clubs and pubs to the UK amusement sector.
“Operators of traditional amusement arcades and manufacturing will also benefit from Steve’s perspective and leadership at this challenging time. The way that the industry is currently regulated and taxed is not fit for purpose. The current regulations that enshrine unfair competition and fail to tax offshore gambling companies are crippling the industry and are unsustainable.”
