The EAG Expo fulfils many different functions serving as an arena for the launch of new products, an opportunity for members of the industry to network, and a place to keep up to date on the latest trends, rules and regulations. It’s also the annual event at which Bacta chooses to recognise those individuals who are setting new standards of professionalism. The ‘Bactas’ as they’ve come to be known were presented by John Bollom in front of industry peers at a drinks reception held at the new Waterfront Street Kitchen and Bar at ExCeL London.
“Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to take this opportunity to announce the winners of the 2025 Bacta awards – the ‘BACTAS’. Recognising men and women from across our industry for their outstanding contribution.
High Street Hero
The first BACTA this evening is the ‘High Street Hero’ award. This award celebrates the outstanding staff who work in AGCs, High Street Bingo or inland FECs who have gone beyond the call of duty at work and engaging within their community.
The 2025 winner of this award is an industry leader who has worked in the High Street AGC sector for over 30 years. Beginning his career as a customer service assistant and now at the forefront of Godden Gaming as Operations Director.
Customers and staff never fail to smile when this man is on site and I am very happy to say that the 2025 winner of the high street hero Bacta Award is Stephen Laurence.
Supply Chain Champion
The second award this evening is for staff that work in our industry’s supply chain. Manufacturers, distributors and single site operators who play a vital role in helping to deliver fun and entertainment to communities across the country.
This years winner is a true ‘Supply Chain Champion’ who has taken on several roles in their near 12 years at Blueprint rising to become an outstandingly successful Operations Director.
And with that I can announce that the 2025 winner of the ‘BACTA’ for Supply Chain Champion is Nadia Timofeev!
Seaside Saviour
Our third and final ‘BACTA’ this evening recognises the staff behind seaside FECs and outstanding work that they do to keep some of the most iconic businesses in the UK delivering fun to families.
This ‘Seaside Saviour’ was nominated by her whole team for the work she not only does in her role, but the wider support that she gives to her colleagues. Having gone through the Future Leaders program at Inspired, prior to Covid, this person has taken on the management of multiple FECs in holiday parks across Scotland. In this capacity she has kept her team motivated with her infectious positivity and has delivered a fantastic experience for holiday makers.
I am delighted to announce that the winner of the 2025 award for Seaside Saviour is Michelle Hocking!
Martin Burlin Special Award
If I could keep your attention for another moment, it would be remiss for us this evening to not pay a very special tribute to a man that has given so much to EAG and our industry at large throughout his entire career and lifetime.
Hailing from a long-established family business supplying gaming machines to clubs, Martin served as Bacta President during a time of immense change in the 1980s, steering the association through the troubled waters of regulatory change.
Having attended the old ATEI show as a young man, Martin went on to serve as Chairman of ATE ltd. Following this, Martin launched the EAG Expo in 2010, pulling together a professional and respected showcase of our industry at it’s finest.
Having steered the EAG from strength to strength, through the turbulence of COVID and now expanding with the London Casino and Gaming Show and the Social Immersive Entertainment Expo, Martin has decided that now is the time to pass on the torch and take a step back.
It is my privilege to give this very special award to my long-standing friend on behalf of the entire Bacta association and EAG Expo. Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in a round of applause for the one and only the great Martin Burlin!”
