As far as Paolo Sidoli, managing director of SB Machines, is concerned, EAG is the most important show in the UK calendar, proven by its enduring and consistent support from the industry. He’s adamant this year will be no different, and expects his latest creations, Peppa Pig Helicopter and Baja Surf Carousel, to excel on the expo floor – as they have done during extensive testing throughout 2024. The macroeconomic outlook for 2025 may look challenging, but Sidoli is confident that the public’s long lasting love affair with the Great British seaside resort will continue. In fact, he believes its “etched into their DNA”.
Coinslot: This year’s is an important EAG with new gambling regulations and legislation on the horizon. What are you hoping to get from January’s show?
Paolo Sidoli: As exhibitors, we are hoping for a good turnout from visitors and in turn strong sales.
Frustrations at the delay of implementation of new legislation, such as the White Paper, is not unusual and should not affect the success of the show.
EAG is well supported and consistent exhibition. Over many years this show has endured different dates, different locations and more recently the impact of Brexit and the tumultuous effects of the pandemic.
EAG is the most important show in the UK coin-op calendar and is highly regarded by international visitors. We expect the support for EAG to continue for many years to come.
Coinslot:How does EAG, the first show of the industry calendar, set the tone for the year? What can attendees expect from SB Machines’ stand?
Paolo Sidoli: The show sets the pattern of business for the year ahead and customers will see the very best in class of children’s rides.
For rides to be successful they must be relevant and relate to developing market trends; they must be competitively priced and they must also ‘function’ ie they work correctly, are reliable and generate the appropriate returns.
Coinslot: We obviously expect to see your best sellers and the reliable favourites on display. What products were pulling up the trees during 2024 and how did they perform in venues last year?
Paolo Sidoli: Peppa Pig Helicopter and Baja Surf Carousel have been magnificent during our 2024 testing season. Their reliability and cashbox performance have excelled.
Peppa Pig Helicopter is a compact interactive roundabout ride with up and down movement and an interactive video screen.
The strength of the brand needs no introduction and Peppa Pig Helicopter will be our best selling piece for 2025.
Baja surf carousel is a beautiful three seater ride evoking the Californian free spirit of the 1970’s. Cashbox performance of this ride has been amazing. The eye catching design and the value for money that three seater carousels offer, demonstrates that this ride must be a serious consideration for any operator who is looking to update his rides estate.
Coinslot: Finally, what do you need from the government’s gambling review, and indeed from their general policies this year?
Paolo Sidoli: We need conclusion on the matter [of the gambling review] by giving definitive dates.
Tax rises are looming, inflationary pressures still remain and disposable incomes are getting squeezed further. The prognosis for the macroeconomic picture does not look appealing.
However, the coin-op sector, particularly the seaside sector, has proven remarkably resilient. We could escape the worst effects of this potential economic downturn because the general public loves going to the seaside.
The Great British Seaside resort is etched in their DNA. If we have good weather and if premises continue to offer good value for money entertainment solutions, in warm and friendly establishments whilst excelling in customer service, then I feel 2025 will be a great year.
