Phil Silver honoured by MPs for contributions to social responsibility

Conservative Party MPs Sir Peter Bottomley and Rt Hon Nick Herbert attended a presentation to honour former Bacta Compliance Officer, Phil Silver and to mark his contribution to the development of a social responsibility culture in Britain’s adult gaming centres, seaside arcades and bingo clubs. Phil Silver received the Bacta Community Award at the presentation hosted by Esther O’Neill and Sarah Clarke of Worthing based Connaught Leisure.

Highlighting his work with social responsibility organisations including GamCare, the national provider of information and support for anyone affected by problem gambling and the Gordon Moody Association, the first charity in the UK dedicated to providing residential treatment to help problem gamblers, Bacta National President Gabi Stergides said: “In a career with Bacta spanning three decades Phil Silver has made what I would argue is the single biggest contribution to social responsibility in the low stake gaming industry. Thanks in no small part to Phil, Bacta was the first gaming industry body to work in partnership with GamCare and his contributions as a Trustee of the Gordon Moody Association have been invaluable. In his role as Bacta’s Compliance Officer he has assisted members implement the social responsibility commitments that are a requirement of being part of the trade association. His contribution to the development of an industry that upholds the highest standards of social responsibility cannot be underestimated.”

Commenting on the industry recognition, Phil Silver said: “I am delighted to receive this award which marks the end of my long career with Bacta. Members of the trade association understand that it’s not enough to simply support social responsibility and customer protection, businesses have to demonstrate it. We have undertaken some pioneering work and I’m extremely proud that I was able to make a small contribution to the massive issue of social responsibility in gaming.”

Reflecting on the presentation Bacta chief executive, John White said: “It was extremely generous of Nick Herbert and his fellow Sussex MP, Sir Peter Bottomley, to present Bacta’s Community Award to Phil Silver. Their attendance acknowledged Phil’s contribution to the amusement machine industry over a thirty year career and his support for problem and at risk gamblers via charities Gamcare and the Gordon Moody Association. I would personally like to thank Nick and Sir Peter for taking time out of their busy schedules in order to present this Award and to Esther and Sarah for hosting us at Connaught Leisure, the business that was created by the late Pat O’Neill who was a great friend to so many Bacta members. The presentation reflected the great importance that Bacta and its members place on social responsibility.”

About bacta:
Bacta represents the amusement and gaming machine industry in the UK, encompassing high-tech and creative manufacturers, machine suppliers for pubs, clubs and bingo halls, as well as operators of Family Entertainment Centres and over 18s Gaming Centres. Bacta members include the whole of the amusement machine supply chain in the UK, which has a collective turnover of nearly £2bn across more than 500 companies, operating in excess of 310,000 machines.