Bacta's National Council Meeting Debuts Outside London with Success, Expansion Planned

Bacta's Regional National Council Meeting in Leeds proved a remarkable success, prompting President John Bollom to expand this practice to other regions, including Bristol and Scotland. During the meeting, members engaged in a Q&A session covering crucial topics, such as cashless gaming, stakes and prizes review, and Category D machines. Discussions regarding the EAG trade show emphasized the importance of maintaining its early January schedule to facilitate Easter equipment orders. Additionally, progress updates were provided on the membership census, with an 80% response rate, and the ongoing battle with PPL and PRS over music licensing fees.

Bacta's groundbreaking venture to host its National Council meeting outside of London proved to be a resounding success in Leeds, with President John Bollom enthusiastically declaring the extension of this practice to better connect with members across the country. Bollom hinted at potential future meetings in Bristol to cater to southwest England and south Wales, as well as the north-west, possibly in Manchester or Blackpool. An excursion to Scotland was also mentioned, demonstrating Bacta's commitment to fostering closer ties with its members in that region.

Following the formal National Council meeting, local members were invited to a special Q&A session where they engaged in discussions on key industry topics affecting Bacta operators. The meeting witnessed a compelling turnout of operators from far-reaching areas, including Northumberland, Cumbria, and Blackpool.

Bollom began the session by introducing the National Council members present at the Marriott Hotel in Leeds, marking the first meeting held outside London. Among them were Vice President Joseph Cullis, James Miller, Nick Harding, Peter Davies, Elizabeth Speed, Tony Boulton, Dean Harding, Jeremy Godden, Jonathan Lauder, Commercial Director Rob Gibb, and Communications Director George McGregor.

George McGregor, Bacta's Communications Director, advised members to proactively engage with all candidates ahead of the upcoming general election. He further conveyed that the government's decision on the White Paper on gambling was imminent, expected "within days." Bacta, he emphasized, was actively advocating for a review of stakes and prizes.

The Q&A session delved into various topics, including Category D machines, low stakes in seaside locations, and the highly anticipated subject of cashless gaming. Mark Horwood, UDC's Managing Director, passionately advocated for retaining the EAG trade show in early January, allowing ample time for operators to acquire and install new equipment for the Easter holiday. He expressed concerns about a proposal to shift the show to February, emphasizing the urgency of order processing for Easter.

Bollom acknowledged the importance of EAG to Bacta's financial well-being and confirmed that the show would remain in mid-January 2025. However, he remained noncommittal about subsequent years, indicating that he would take Horwood's concerns into consideration. Other speakers stressed the significance of timely order processing for Easter, highlighting the impact on operator profitability.

In response to a question from David Snook of Coin-op Community, Bollom acknowledged that the relocation of ICE from London to Barcelona next year presented opportunities for EAG. "We are investigating the possibilities," he said. "We would seek to expand our land-based gambling content at the show. We are working on this issue very hard because now is the time that would-be exhibitors are making decisions about where they will go."

Tony Boulton of Merkur UK updated the meeting on the association census, reporting an impressive 80% response rate. This census, the first of its kind for Bacta, aims to gather comprehensive data on the size and structure of the industry. Boulton urged any companies present who had not yet completed their surveys to do so promptly. He emphasized the crucial role this information plays in shaping the organization's strategies and enhancing its ability to effectively represent the industry in negotiations.

Martin Agabeg, representing the Music Users' Group, shared the ongoing challenges faced by the sector in its disputes with PPL and PRS over fees. "We are fighting to get a decent deal for all of us," he said. "The Spotify issue remains a bone of contention. But we are dealing with monopolies – and it is very difficult to get through to them."

Bacta's unwavering commitment to fostering open dialogue and strengthening its relationships with members was evident throughout the meeting. The organization's willingness to experiment with new formats and extend its reach beyond London demonstrates its dedication to serving the diverse needs of its members across the country. As Bacta continues to navigate the evolving industry landscape, its ability to adapt and innovate will undoubtedly prove invaluable in safeguarding the interests of its members and ensuring the long-term success of the sector.