MERKUR UK General Manager Sascha Blodau recently featured in the industry bible Coinslot presenting a compelling case for the swiftest possible introduction of the recommendations contained in the Gambling Review White Paper, which was delayed by July’s snap General Election. Explaining how the Review can help grow the economy and involve an industry which has more UK venues than Starbucks and employs more people than Greggs, this is what he had to say.
Please don’t forget the Gambling Review
“It’s vital that the review is not forgotten, eclipsed by other priorities or subject to further delays. In fact, the Prime Minister’s speech to introduce the International Investment Summit and the subsequent commentary and analysis chimes with large parts of the desired outcomes of the Gambling Review. For example, the Prime Minister highlighted the role of private sector investment in rebuilding the UK economy. MERKUR UK wants to be part of this investment program: we want to deliver steady growth with planned investments – but to do so we need to be clear what the future looks like.
Revitalising Britain’s high streets
“Sir Keir Starmer said that a growing economy will result in more vibrant high streets and we couldn’t agree more. Over 90 percent of the high street venues that we have opened in the past three-years were previously boarded-up, economically inactive premises. Our refurbishment program contributes greatly to the look and feel of the high streets in which we operate.
Supporting thousands of British businesses
“We purchase materials from UK suppliers whether it be bricks and mortar, fixtures and fittings or equipment such as coffee machines. Referencing the relationship between stability and growth the Prime Minister argued that whilst stability leads to growth, growth also leads to stability. This is a position that we fully understand and support. The industry needs stability and the fact that the White Paper has still not been delivered after four-years undermines the confidence that’s required to make investment decisions. Quite simply the more confident a business feels the more likely it is to make key commercial decisions.
Ready to invest in Britain and continue employing more people than Greggs!
“The industry pays an estimated £270 million in tax, contributes some £1.9 billion to UK GDP, operates more UK venues than Starbucks and employs more people than Greggs. This is not a small industry and MERKUR is ready to continue to invest in Britain, to create new jobs and contribute to the economies of towns and cities across the country. However, we need to see the White Paper delivered. The less risk there is in a decision the easier it is to make. We need to see cashless payments and the revision of the 80/20 rule in place in order to move forward. If the government is serious about growing the economy the Gambling Review must form part of its ambitious plans.”