Bacta has published “The serious business of fun!” a 52-page book which outlines the role of the British amusement industry and its support for national and regional communities throughout the country.
Alongside the perfect bound book, the association has produced a conveniently sized Fact Sheet which details the economic contributions made by the amusements and low stake gaming sector, drawing on the independent research and economic modelling produced by PWC LLP on behalf of bacta.
Distributed to politicians and political advisers at the recent party conferences held in Brighton and Manchester, both publications will be provided to bacta members to assist in their own lobbying activities.
In his foreword to “The serious business of fun!”, national president Gabi Stergides wrote: “The amusements industry, represented by bacta, has a rich history of providing low cost, socially responsible entertainment to the British population.
“Successfully responding to changes in consumer taste and the transition to a digital age, the industry is represented in some shape or form in every town and city in the country, contributing both to the cultural and the economic well being of United Kingdom plc.
“This publication demonstrates the huge contributions made by the sector and the challenges that must be overcome if it is to continue to play an important role in the communities it serves.
“Independent market research findings explain why people play, their attitudes towards low stake gaming and amusements, the £1.9bn annual contribution made to the economy and the role of the sector in addressing social issues, notably how it helps to prevent the social exclusion of the elderly.
“This book also highlights the importance of amusements in sustaining tourism – particularly at the coast and the extent of the industry’s supply chain which stretches far and wide.”
Bacta CEO John White believes the ambient approach to lobbying helps in the battle to win hearts and minds.
He said: “The FOBT campaign that bacta has been conducting has given us a number of strategic insights. On the one hand it is absolutely essential to be vigilant in presenting our empirically based arguments and countering those of our opponents, however it is also important to shine a light on the soul and the heritage of the industry and those businesses within it.
“These publications help us to tell the industry story and reflect the central importance of fun in the amusements proposition.”
Alongside sections dedicated to the economic realities of operating amusements and low stake gaming equipment in 21st century Britain, in particular the challenges facing the pub sector through the loss of AWP income, which is estimated at £600m since 2007, the publication provides an insight to the tremendous work undertaken by bacta members and the bacta Charitable Trust in their support of a wide range of charities.
The charities include the British Institute for Brain Injured Children, Fairbridge – which supports disengaged young people who are not in education, employment or training, the Prince’s Youth Business Trust, CHIPS, which raises funds to purchase bespoke powered wheelchairs for children whom the NHS cannot help and Rays of Sunshine, another smaller charity, which is 100 percent voluntary funded and therefore relies on the compassion of supporters such as bacta to continue its work granting wishes to children aged three to 18 years old living with serious or life-limiting illnesses.
