SB Machines is predicting “a healthy return of visitor numbers” to the coast this summer following a positive Easter, with director Paolo Sidoli ready to showcase the supplier’s latest rides at ARE, all guaranteed to deliver in terms of income and reliability, and longevity.
Coinslot: It’s been a tough start to the year both economically and on the regulatory front. What are you hoping to get from the two days in Manchester and what will the main topics of debate be about?
Paolo Sidoli: It has been an appalling start to the year for businesses in leisure, catering and hospitality. Porthcawl, similar to many resorts, has suffered from poor weather, resulting in a drop of visitor numbers and an exponential rise in business running costs.
Coupled with a huge squeeze on the general public’s disposable income, the figures and statistics are not positive.
However, the Easter break did provide relief and trading was robust. Business improved.
Exhibitors and visitors alike, I think, will be talking about these matters and what can be done to mitigate the impact.
I think we will experience the staycation phenomenon this year and we have noticed that people are bursting to come out, albeit with less money in their pocket.
If, in the first instance, the weather improves, and this improvement is long overdue and expected, the seaside resorts will see a healthy return of visitor numbers.
Coinslot: In terms of product, what innovations and new launches will visitors be seeing on your stand next week?
Paolo Sidoli: We will highlight our very best money taking rides. There is always appetite in the market for rides that deliver in terms of income and reliability and longevity. We focus on our strengths and the value added provided; that is to deliver exceptional products to the market place.
Coinslot: We’re now into the second quarter of 2026, what have been the highlights of the year so far in terms of business development and product launches?
Paolo Sidoli: I think we have read the market situation correctly and business has grown in line with our expectations.
A solid stream of new sales, and unsurprisingly, an increase in refurbishment work. We have reinforced our position as the premier supplier of coin operated rides in the UK by providing total solutions to the customer.
Our skill is to carefully evaluate and site test all rides before launch to market. This takes time but it reaps rewards at the exhibitions. This is one of the reasons why we have been such a reliable and dependable company to deal with.
Ready to play but with a little less pay
Paolo Sidoli said… “I think we will experience the staycation phenomenon this year and we have noticed that people are bursting to come out, albeit with less money in their pocket. If, in the first instance, the weather improves, and this improvement is long overdue and expected, the seaside resorts will see a healthy return of visitor numbers…
