Bosses at Clacton Pier took the chance to talk serious business with the town’s MP when he visited the seaside attraction.
Co-owners Billy and Elliot Ball seized the opportunity to put across the challenges and issues they face in the current economic climate.
They also joined forces with members of Bacta, the trade association for the amusement and gaming machine industry, to discuss future regulation of the industry.
Nigel Farage had been invited to Clacton by Bacta and spent more than an hour at the pier on Friday.
He was shown round the site and told about the investment which had been made in the attraction, providing local jobs and bringing visitors to the area.
Billy Ball said it was a worthwhile meeting which went very well.
“It is important for us to be in touch with our new MP and let him know exactly the factors which impact our business and challenge us going forwards,” he added.
“Whether it is rise in business rates or increased employers’ costs – these will all hit us hard and we need that message to be taken back to Westminster.
“The increases affect all seaside towns and those operating in them and we wanted Mr Farage to have a clear picture of what will stifle the future improvements we want to make.”
Mr Ball said that, along with Bacta, he and his brother had emphasised the importance of the Government implementing Gambling White Paper reforms previously agreed.
These had been put forward by the former Conservative Government in May 2024. They had cross party support but were halted when the snap General Election was called.
The key changes which had been lined-up are seen as vital to the viability of the sector.
Another subject addressed with the MP was the debanking of gambling businesses which is becoming an issue.
“Some banks won’t deal with gambling businesses and those that do restrict the amount of cash which can be banked,” said Mr Ball.
“But it is the Government that says only cash can be taken – rather than using cards for gaming machines – and that seriously prejudices us as an industry.”
They also spoke about a review of the price per game and the value of cash prizes which are set for businesses, not by them, and have been frozen for over a decade.
Mr Ball thanked Bacta for setting up the discussions and inviting the MP to the pier.
“It was our first meeting with Mr Farage and he clearly took on board we are in the serious business of fun,” he added. “We look forward to working further with him in the future.”
