Cricket-themed bar chain Sixes goes into administration

Following a challenging trading period, Sixes, England captain Ben Stokes' cricket-themed social chain, has gone into administration. Both of the company's 15 UK-based locations are still open, but one branch in Southampton has closed following the decision, with three staff members losing their jobs as a result. Administrators FRP Advisory said that talks were ongoing with a number of interested parties regarding the company's and its best-performing sites, implying that other closures may have occurred. While honoring customer reservations through the holiday period and beyond, Tony Wright, joint administrator, said the highest priority for the company was to "secure the best result for the organization.

Sixees, which were launched in 2020, is a chain that blends hospitality with cricket. It hosts parties in which people face bowling machines and aim to get as many runs as possible. It's part of a similar social entertainment service provided by Flight Club and Boom Battle Bar, and it's backed in part by 4Cast, an investment firm established by Stokes, current and former England bowlers Jofra Archer and Stuart Broad, as well as former player turned agent Mike Turns. Sixes were in administration last week, before England lost the Ashes in their third test match against Australia in Adelaide. It's unclear how much money 4Cast, which invested money back in 2023, has in Sixes. The BBC has contacted 4Cast for comment. Although the company had a core of highly performing sites, others had failed, according to FRP Advisory, especially in the midst ofstrong competition for experiential venues and reduced customer spending due to economic uncertainty. It said that, other than the Southampton branch, which had closed, its remaining stores and franchises would remain open, and all reservations would be honored throughout the holiday season.

The most important part of administration is to save a company. Businesses that are losing money can borrow to pay bills; however, if a company is unable to pay its debts or borrow any more money, a team can be sent in to take over the operation and sort out the finances, which is known as administration. If a company is unable to be saved, the company's possessions may be auctioned so that some of the borrowed money can be repaid, which is known as liquidation. In recent years, the hospitality industry has sparked fears over rising costs faced by businesses, including business rates and minimum wages, raising concerns that could result in job losses and company folding. Sixes had

developed a strong brand in the social entertainment industry, with its unique locations proving extremely popular with customers,

Mr Wright said.

While some locations have struggled in an increasingly competitive market, the brand has a lot of promise, and we're encouraged by the early interest we've received from parties interested in purchasing the brand and its best-performing websites,

he said. Sixees can grow on its core strengths with the right investment and attention, according to the company.