Levelling up from banking to the arcade

AN amusement arcade boss in Saltburn has talked about tracking down the parents of troublesome teenagers and getting 'the best swag' to run a successful business.

- SAMUEL PORT AND POPPY KENNEDY Reporters

Ben Oughton, co-manager at Seldons Saltburn Pier Amusements, joined his wife Chelsie’s family business, Seldon Leisure world, last year after putting in his notice at a banking firm.

The couple, who have a nine month old baby, run the premise alongside the rest of the Seldon family, who also has an amusement arcade in Seaburn, Sunderland, and is preparing to open a venue in Roker.

Situated at the entrance to the historic pier, which stretches into the North Sea, the amusement arcade is at the centre of the hustle and bustle on the lower promenade. Ben, who is from Sunderland, said: "On days when the suns out and the kids are off school, it’s absolutely mega.

"It gets busy, to the point where you struggle to walk round the arcade. If something is happening outside the front door, sometimes it's easier to go around the back."