Debbie Bollard

My working life started as a junior officer in the Air traffic Controller branch of the RAF.  After a family career break I went to Lincoln University in 2000 and graduated with a degree in Law and Marketing. 

My legal career began as a paralegal at a local law firm in Lincolnshire, whilst attending university. After completing my training, I qualified as a solicitor in 2006 specialising in litigation.  With the introduction of the Gambling Act 2005 in 2005 I developed an interest in gambling licensing and a niche area of legal practice.   

In January 2016 I set up Hough & Bollard Ltd, a licensing consultancy business, with a focus on gambling and alcohol licensing.  The business has developed from initially working with Showmen operating costal arcades to providing licensing support to land based and remote gambling operators across the UK. 

Work includes

• assisting businesses to apply for Operating Licences and deal with issues associated with changes to those businesses.
• assisting businesses to apply for new premises licences, variations and transfers including licensing hearings
• providing support for businesses subject to enforcement action
• providing legal opinions for online draw competitions.

I am a member of and provide licensing support to other members of Bacta, as well as being a member of the Institute of Licensing, the Gambling Commision’s Lawyer’s Forum, and the Gambling Business Group.

Outside of work I am the chair of the board of trustees for Jubilee Park in Woodhall Spa, and the chair and one of the co-ordinators of the local foodbank that I set up during Covid.   Hobbies include travelling, skiing, swimming, and music festivals.