Sixes, the cricket-themed social entertainment chain backed by England cricket captain Ben Stokes, has entered administration following a period of “challenging trading conditions.”
While the company’s 15 UK venues remain operational, a Southampton location has closed, resulting in three staff redundancies.
FRP Advisory, the appointed administrators, have stated that discussions are underway with “a number of interested parties” regarding the potential sale of the business and its highest-performing locations, suggesting further closures may occur.
Tony Wright, joint administrator, emphasized the priority is to “secure the best outcome for the business” while ensuring existing customer bookings are honored “through the Christmas period and beyond.”
Launched in 2020, Sixes combines hospitality with interactive cricket experiences, offering parties where participants face bowling machines and compete to score runs.
It operates within the social entertainment sector, alongside competitors like Flight Club and Boom Battle Bar, and has received investment from 4Cast, an investment group founded by Stokes, current and former England bowlers Jofra Archer and Stuart Broad, and former player turned agent Mike Turns.
Sixes formally entered administration last week, preceding England’s Ashes defeat against Australia in the third test match in Adelaide.
The extent of 4Cast’s stake in Sixes, which received a cash injection in 2023, remains undisclosed. The BBC has reached out to 4Cast for comment.
According to FRP Advisory, the business possesses “a core of strongly performing sites, [while] others have struggled” due to “fierce competition for experiential venues and reduced consumer spending as a result of economic uncertainty.”
Beyond the closure of the Southampton branch, FRP Advisory affirmed that remaining venues and franchises will remain open, with all existing bookings honored through the holiday season.
The primary objective of administration is to attempt to rescue a company.
When businesses incur losses, they may resort to borrowing to cover expenses. However, if a company is unable to meet its debt obligations or secure additional funding, an external team may be appointed to assume control from management and restructure the finances – a process known as administration.
If the business cannot be salvaged, the company’s assets may be liquidated to repay outstanding debts, a process known as liquidation.
The hospitality industry has recently voiced concerns about rising operational costs, including business rates and minimum wages, warning of potential job losses and business closures.
Mr. Wright acknowledged that Sixes has “built a strong brand in the social entertainment space with its unique venues proving very popular with customers.”
“While some locations have struggled in an increasingly competitive market, the business has significant potential, and we’re encouraged by the early interest we’ve received from parties interested in acquiring the brand and its strongest-performing sites,” he added.
“We’re confident that with the right investment and focus, Sixes can build on its core strengths.”
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