UDC hits the road with arcade visits from Ayr to Ramsgate
UDC undertook another of its marathon roadtrips last week, visiting operators from Ayr on the west coast of Scotland to Ramsgate in east Kent, with stops in Cleethorpes, Filey and Skegness along the way.
Bingo Association engages with Bank of England on Banknote Checking Scheme
The Bingo Association has engaged with the Bank of England on how to help small businesses protect themselves from counterfeit currency, backing the launch of the Banknote Checking Scheme.
Divide and conquer: is Andy Burnham’s cuts to business rates splitting the UK’s high streets?
The UK hospitality industry is divided over Andy Burnham’s decision to cut business rates for pubs and live music venues, with representatives for the sectors welcoming the news, despite strong criticism from the owners of restaurants, cafes, hotels and amusements and gaming centres left out of the relief. Will the consequences of Number 10’s divisive step to support some businesses and punish others create one important loser: the UK high street?
No stopping Britannia Pier as new plans submitted for beer garden
There’s no stopping Britannia Pier as it continues its £2.2m investment in improved facilities and attractions, with a new beer garden planned for the Pier Tavern.
Whitbread withholding investment until government creates “right environment”
The chief executive of Whitbread has stated the company plans to cut investment in its UK estate by £500m this year unless the next prime minister addresses “ruinous” business rates and VAT on the hospitality sector.
NGUK expands Mecca partnership with the roll-out of new cabinets
It’s a full house for NGUK with the machines manufacturer moving its partnership on with Mecca Bingo courtesy of another roll-out of its top gaming machines and new signage. The approach is “unprecedented”, said Mecca’s Aaron Todd, but the outcome certainly isn’t with the first three installations particularly well received.
Gambling Commission calls for suggestions on how to reduce the “burden” of regulation; but “this is not a consultation” barks the regulator
The Gambling Commission has launched a call for proposals to address “the burdens associated with gambling regulation,” encouraging stakeholders to suggest ways to streamline the compliance process as questions proliferate over the regulator’s budgetary capabilities.
Landlords call for VAT and rates reform after 161 pubs close in first three months of 2026
Landlords across the country have urged the government to overhaul business rates and reduce VAT for the pub sector, after data revealed 161 venues had closed during the first quarter of this year, with a further 2,300 predicted to shut permanently without additional support. The queue to the No 10 door of the soon to be crowned PM Andy Burnham is getting longer.
Luxury Leisure adds nine venues through acquisition of Mega Amusements
Luxury Leisure has expanded its reach across the Scottish market with the acquisition of the Mega Amusements estate. Nine venues spanning Scotland’s central heartland will now turn Admiral in a move that COO Paul Hyman describes as “the start of the next chapter”.
Rain fails to dampen spirit at Open Day as Electrocoin welcomes optimistic crowd
Park Avenue Open Day 2026 once again saw scores of attendees make their way to Electrocoin HQ to discover the latest products, compare expectations for the season, raise money for charity, and, of course, enjoy the Greek BBQ. With another successful Open Day accomplished, MD John Stergides is “keeping optimistic” for a strong summer.