Gambling licensing consultancy Hough and Bollard is celebrating its tenth anniversary this month, with founder and director Debbie Bollard reflecting on “an amazing ten years.”
Since its official launch in 2016, the firm has become one of the UK’s most respected specialists in the gambling licensing process, and continues to attract new clients.
“It’s been an amazing ten years and I’m proud and honoured that so many of my clients believed in me and joined me on the journey,” said Bollard.
“Today Hough and Bollard is renowned nationally for providing licensing consultancy services to independent operators in the gambling industry. I am looking forward to seeing what can be achieved in the next ten years.”
And so, what have been the highlights?
“Highlights: well, probably my 100th invoice, my 100th client, my 1,000th invoice and the first six-figure annual turnover” Bollard smiled.
“It really has been an amazing journey; taking that first step into self-employment and watching the business grow,” she explained.
But things are certainly different, even compared to ten years ago.
“Absolutely,” she noted. “I have certainly seen a significant increase in the regulatory paperwork required over the years, especially for both Operating and Premises licence applications.
“Premises licence risk assessments have evolved from a simple 4 pages to complex 50+ page documents attempting to identify every potential risk and list all possible mitigations to satisfy licensing authorities keen to find a reason not to grant a licence.”
Bollard’s frankness has always been her hallmark, as has her popularity. Marking the milestone, Dawson Radford Solicitors MD Joanna Dawson posted “congratulations Debbie! We both know it’s blooming hard work, and ten years is a fabulous achievement!”
Jonty Pearson, partner at Wilkin Chapman Rollits, added “congratulations Debbie, a great achievement.”
Originally published on Coinslot on December 22, 2025. Republished with permission.