Burnham backs cut to VAT and business rates for hospitality

Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham has called for a cut to VAT and business rates for UK hospitality businesses, urging legislators to bring taxes in line with their European counterparts.

Tim Miller calls for pause in reforms as Gambling Commission directs its focus on black market

Gambling Commission executive director Tim Miller told attendees at the BGC AGM that the regulator remains dedicated to addressing the black market during a “period of change,” with a £26m boost from DCMS due this April to help pursue and pros...

MERKUR make £100,000 donation to children’s charity

MERKUR is committed to giving back to the communities that it serves. There can be few organisations more worthy of support than the Momentum Children’s Charity which provides invaluable support and care to the families and children affected b...

The authorities must cover the costs to tackle the black market – not the industry, argues Peter Hannibal

Tighter regulations and rising taxes continue to play a crucial part in fuelling the black market, driving players away from the regulated sector to seek bigger returns and less obstructions elsewhere. So why should the legitimate industry pay...

Blueprint Operations celebrates consistent growth hitting 45k install base

Having a clearly defined development strategy, a commitment to work in partnership with its customers and a deep connection with the industry is paying dividends across all sectors of the gambling entertainment business.

Brighton Pier courting buyers from Gulf states as BPG “spreads net a bit wider” 

Brighton Pier Group is reportedly pursuing interest in the Palace Pier from members of the Gulf Cooperation Council, with CEO Anne Ackord telling Arabian Gulf Business Insight that the company is looking to spread its net “a bit wider” to achi...

Investor confidence in the UK is at its lowest level, warns BPG chairman Luke Johnson

Brighton Pier Group chairman Luke Johnson has warned that confidence among UK employers and investors has reached a historic low.

Game Nation become game-changers as CHIPS Charity chair transforms the life of 12-year-old Leah

Game Nation has certainly thrown its weight behind its partnership with the CHIPS Charity. The company has followed-up October’s presentation to Hampshire youngster Alfie in double quick time handing-over a powered chair to 12-year-old Leah fr...

Craig Morgan: Bingo halls and AGCs are the high street’s “last true social spaces” 

Gambling consultant Craig Morgan has suggested bingo clubs and AGCs are “the last true social spaces” on the UK high street, as customers continue to seek out places to interact with their local community against a backdrop of retail decline....

From toys to transforming lives: Bacta presentation to Whitehouse Leisure celebrates £43,000 fundraising achievement on behalf of Rays of Sunshine

The Whitehouse Leisure fundraising campaign in support of Rays of Sunshine not only succeeded in generating vital revenue for the Bacta charity it also put the industry front and centre stage involving the amusements eco-system of manufacturer...

Gen Z embraces bingo as operator’s tech investments pay off

Younger Britons are turning to bingo halls for sociable, inclusive evenings, with operators adapting technology and events to meet demand from a generation seeking connection and shared experiences.

A National Bingo first as Club 3000 player wins  historic £250,000 jackpot

A 60-year-old woman from Wigan has won a record-breaking £250,000 jackpot while enjoying a routine night out at Club 3000 Bingo with her daughter.

Retropolis celebrates addition of new machines with Reunion Weekender

Retropolis celebrated its new range of stakes and jackpots last weekend with a Reunion Weekender, attracting dozens of arcade fans from across the country to play classics such as BarX 7even sitdown, Maygay’s Trivial Pursuit, and Fight Night....

Scottish Government rejects £40m Flamingo Land plans at Loch Lomond

Plans to build a £40m leisure resort at Loch Lomond have been rejected by the Scottish Government following concerns over environmental impact and flood risk.

Showmen’s Guild progresses Living Heritage bid with DCMS

The Showmen’s Guild has advanced its bid to have funfairs and circuses recognised as part of the UK’s Intangible Cultural Heritage, following the official launch of the Government’s Living Heritage Inventory last month.

Gaming Centres have been and remain an important part of the high street so don’t let prejudice cloud the regeneration debate, urges MERKUR UK’s Sascha Blodau

Sascha Blodau, General Manager of MERKUR UK, which operates 227 venues in 111 towns and cities, is urging policy makers at national, regional and local levels to recognise the contributions made by the sector and to include gambling entertainm...

EAG Expo continues to grow international attendance with 17 percent of show visitors travelling from outside the UK 

As the dust settles on the largest ever edition of EAG Expo organisers have confirmed that 2,043 businesses were represented by 4,282 unique visitors, that 86 percent of visitors were decision-makers and that the show’s international credentia...

Show results speak volumes as almost half of EAG ’27 is booked in a fortnight

Nearly half of EAG Expo 2027 is already booked as industry professionals save 12th/13th/14th January as three business-critical days not to be missed.

“A slap in the face”: the real impact of fake notes on small business operators

The latest crime wave of fake notes is taking its toll on many businesses, at a time when the legalised criminals (!) – the councils, energy companies et al – are also baron robbing small operators on the UK’s high streets. We jest of course, ...

No end in sight: hospitality insolvencies surge in January as cost pressures intensify

Business administrations jumped 41 percent in January, signalling mounting financial strain across retail and hospitality as rising costs continue to reshape the sector. It was a worrying turnaround as 2025 seemed to indicate a levelling out o...

Government warned tourist tax will see “billions wiped from the UK economy”

It could cost the country around £14 billion as tourists divert their travel away from the UK if a tourist tax is approved. Worse still, a tenner per night per person could destroy the already fragile seaside economy.

Britain’s small businesses under “pandemic-style pressures” warn MPs

MPs have warned that UK small businesses are currently under “pandemic-style pressures,” with rising costs and tax bills pushing many to the brink.

UK Statistics Authority says Reeves at risk of misleading public over hospitality taxes

The UK Statistics Authority has responded to claims that Rachel Reeves misled the public over tax increases on hospitality, stating there were “opportunities for improvements” in the Chancellor’s comments regarding business rates.

Bacta stands up for coastal operators and opposes the introduction of controversial Overnight Visitor Levy

Bacta has opposed the introduction of an Overnight Visitor Levy in England, arguing that it risks unintended economic harm, particularly in coastal communities where tourism remains the primary economic driver and where businesses are already ...

Investment, independence and inspiration are driving Rudd Group growth

The Rudd Group is pioneering the adoption of competitive socialising with its Target Darts Zone, which was officially launched at EAG, the most compelling example of this genre of immersive entertainment. However, there’s far more to the story...