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Celebrating a Wonderful Industry: EAG Chairman’s Awards go to nine worthy recipients
EAG Expo ‘26 provided a high-profile platform to recognise and celebrate the people and the businesses that define the industry.
Nine Chairman’s Awards were presented on the show floor by EAG Chairman Nick Harding, with recipients drawn from across the land-based sector.
Two of the awards were made posthumously, honouring the exceptional contributions of two much-respected industry figures. These recognised the late Derek Horwood, Chairman of United Distributing Company (UDC), who passed away in July 2025 aged 92, and Paul Williams, founder of Sega Amusements International. Paul, an internationally recognised and highly respected industry leader, died in October 2025 following a period of illness.
Explaining the purpose behind the Awards, Nick Harding said: “EAG is the natural meeting place for our industry, which makes it the ideal event at which to recognise the outstanding businesses and personalities who contribute so much and help make the sector so unique.
“EAG is widely acknowledged as the event where the industry comes together, where operators identify emerging trends, and where exhibitors choose to launch their latest income-generating products across every sector and category. I also want it to be recognised as the place where the industry comes together to celebrate its achievements.”
Reflecting on this year’s recipients, Harding added: “Researching the 2026 award winners really shone a light on some truly remarkable individuals and businesses. It was a genuine honour to meet Gareth Cammack and his family, whose business, Jackson’s of Mablethorpe, has been trading for more than a century. Another family business, Dransfields, will celebrate its 80th anniversary in May. Few sectors can boast that kind of longevity and resilience.”
He continued: “It’s often said that people enter the amusements and gaming industry without realising just how much they will enjoy it and that many go on to spend a lifetime in the business. This year’s Chairman’s Awards recognise three long-serving individuals: Liam Barrett, marking 25 years of service, and Darell Webb and Quentin Stott, each with 40 years in the industry.”
Harding also highlighted the industry’s wider social contribution: “We should never overlook those organisations and individuals whose work extends beyond our sector. MERKUR UK’s social purpose initiative has supported an incredible 200 charities and good causes across the country, while Chris Black of Sound Leisure has supported British businesses through his role as a Department for Business and Trade Export Champion.”
He concluded: “There is no doubt that ours is a truly wonderful industry and one that fully deserves to be celebrated.”