Bacta – The British Amusement Catering Trade Association has announced the appointment of John Bollom as Vice President on an interim basis.

Bollom, the current Managing Director of the Swansea-based Mumbles Entertainment Pier, will succeed incumbent VP Trevor Sutton, who has stepped down from the trade body to focus on external commitments.

Replacing Sutton – Bollom has been tasked with heading up a review of Bacta’s governance structure which plans to be finalised by March 2023.  

Greg Wood, President of Bacta, said: “I am sad to see Trevor step down as Vice President, but I would like to pay tribute to his hard work and dedication over the past 18 months and wish him all the best in the future.

 “At the same time, I would like to congratulate John, who brings decades of experience with him to the role of Vice-President.” 

Bollom’s appointment comes as the trade body expressed membership concerns at the UK government’s fourth delay of the Gambling Review’s White Paper of industry reforms. 

Bacta has previously voiced concerns to MPs that the White Paper will not support its request to allow debit card transactions for gaming machines in venues  – a factor vital to the survival and future growth of the UK arcade sector.

“I am honoured to be appointed as Vice-President at Bacta at this critical time for the industry. We are still yet to see the government’s Gambling Review White Paper and many of our members are dealing with a cost-of-living crisis.” Bollom commented.

“I will continue to head the review into Bacta’s governance structure and work closely with John White as CEO and Greg as President of Bacta.”