Simon Harvey, a well-known and highly respected figure in the British leisure and amusement industry, passed away on 17 December 2025. His career spanned arcades, funfairs, retail leisure, technology and creative arts, reflecting a lifetime of innovation and enterprise.
“Simon was a pioneer in the gaming industry both manufacturing sales and operations arcades fun fairs everything in the leisure industry,” said his brother, Jonathan.
Deeply involved in family amusements on the North Somerset coast, Harvey also expanded into retail and hospitality, co-founding Harvey’s Coffee in Clevedon in 2014.
Harvey was also an early technology innovator. “He set up mobile gaming on phones the very first person to do it.” Jonathan noted. Alongside this, “he also set up dialabetic, the very first online diabetes site,” combining digital innovation with personal experience of living with diabetes.
A talented painter, Harvey “did custom artwork for many showman,” continuing long-standing family traditions. He was “the great grandson of Thomas Clarke founder member of the showman’s guild and Charles Heal the famous showman from Bristol.”
Harvey leaves behind a lasting legacy across leisure, business and showmanship, and will be remembered for his vision, creativity and determination. He is survived by his wife and two young daughters.
Originally published on Coinslot on January 4, 2026. Republished with permission.