Bacta has many Showmen in membership. Largely settled in seaside and inland amusement arcades up and down the country, the organisation and its members are cousins to the Showmen’s Guild and its members.
The unique culture of Showmen is prevalent in the way bacta sees itself and the way it goes about its business. Currently structured with a National Council and four Divisions representing seaside arcade, inland arcades, single site operator, and the manufacturers and distributors of all types of coin-op machines, the Association also has a strong regional structure.
In recent years, a much stronger corporate voice operates within the organisation, strengthening and broadening bacta’s ability to lobby government, which it has done successfully decade after decade. Most recently it was central to the cut in the stake on FOBTs and was able to support its members through the Covid lockdowns to the point where only a few businesses in the sector were unable to make it through the pandemic.
John White, bacta’s CEO, is no stranger to the sector having been with bacta from 1988 to 2000 before returning to the fold in 2014 with a suitcase of experience from sectors including sliced and wrapped bread and timber. When asked by World’s Fair why he came back, White replied “I never really left.”
Bacta this year took the decision to bring organisation of the annual EAG trade show, in-house.
“It was an important decision.” Said White. “The Show is the jewel in the crown of the industry, showcasing all that is best about our sector and giving an opportunity for arcade owners, Showmen and single site operators as well as other venue owners, to come and see the innovations that will drive their cash box in the coming year.
“The edition of the Show, now back in its January slot after a three year hiatus, is going to be a bumper one. I look forward to seeing everyone there – in person!’
Photo: bacta Chief Executive John White.
