Colin (pictured right) with BALPPA chairman John Bollom at this year’s Parliamentary lunch in London.
Colin Dawson Open to Question
Currently chief executive of the UK trade association BALPPA (the British Association of Leisure Parks, Piers and Attractions), Colin Dawson retires in July after approximately 25 years’ involvement in the industry. With experience as a park manager, as chairman of BALPPA, involvement in numerous industry bodies, both in the UK and internationally, and, of course, in his most recent role as the face of BALPPA, Dawson is well qualified to comment on the current state of the industry, some of its challenges and issues and where he sees it moving in the future. Having interviewed him many times over the years, InterPark Editor Andrew Mellor took one final opportunity to discuss various aspects of the industry with him
IP: How and when did you become involved in the theme/amusement park industry?
CD: I was the group marketing manager for RMC, the international company which owned Thorpe Park, and following a three year period as an adviser to Thorpe Park on marketing and promotion, I was appointed director/ general manager in October 1988.
IP: What are some of the key changes you have noted in the business since then?
CD: In my early days in the industry, there was a lot less competition; it was even before Sunday Trading which had a significant impact on the attractions sector. In the latter stages of my time as an operator the focus on delivering customer expectation had significantly increased, together with pressure on continuous capital investment.
IP: What’s your history with BALPPA and what other industry associations have you been involved with in an official capacity?
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CD: I joined BALPPA as a member in 1989 and was elected to the Management Committee the following year and held the post of chairman in 1994/95. I remained on the Management Committee until my appointment as Chief executive in June 2001.
IP: What have been some of BALPPA’s most successful campaigns/achievements over the years and where do its strengths currently lie?
CD: Our successes in BALPPA over the years include the inclusion of amusement parks in the Permitted General Development Order, resisting increased Amusement Machine Licence Duty, the introduction of Best Start Induction Training for Operators, designing and developing the NVQ in Mechanical Ride Operation , ride engineer training courses and the development of the Amusement Device Inspection Procedures Scheme (ADIPS). Currently our lobbying activity has achieved greater penetration in Westminster and has raised the awareness level for the benefits of Daylight Saving and Reduced VAT for Admissions and Accommodation.
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