Exclusive – cricket-based competitive socialising brand Sixes placed into administration, in discussions on sale: Sixes, the cricket-based competitive socialising brand that includes England international cricketers Ben Stokes, Stuart Broad and Jofra Archer as investors, has been placed into administration following a “challenging trading period”, Propel has learned. Sixes, which currently operates 16 cricket-themed social entertainment venues (including franchised venues) across England and one in the West Indies, was founded by Calum Mackinnon and Andy Waugh, with its debut site opening in Fulham, London in December 2020. In June 2023, the business secured investment from 4CAST Investment Group – that includes England international cricketers Stokes, Broad and Archer. It previously operated a site in the US, in Dallas. Propel understands that Tony Wright and Alastair Massey, partners at FRP Advisory, were appointed as joint administrators to Sixes earlier this week. The administrators are continuing to trade the business through the administration and are already in discussions with a number of interested parties about a sale. FRP said its appointment follows a “challenging trading period”. FRP said: “While Sixes has a core of strongly performing sites, others have struggled, and the business has been unable to achieve a sustainable operating model amid fierce competition for experiential venues and reduced consumer spending due to economic uncertainty. All but one Sixes venue will remain open, with the business honouring all bookings and continuing to serve customers through the busy festive season. Sixes in Southampton will close with immediate effect. Affected employees will be supported with claims to the Redundancy Payments Service.” Wright said: “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. Our priority is to secure the best outcome for the business and its stakeholders while ensuring customers can continue to enjoy their bookings through the Christmas period and beyond. We’re confident that with the right investment and focus, Sixes can build on its core strengths.” This summer, the parent company of Sixes said it was transitioning into a cash flow-positive position, as it posted full year turnover to the year to 31 August 2024 that topped £11m. The company posted turnover of £11,386,795 (2023: £7,499,770) with an Ebitda loss of £333,238 (2023: loss of £1,082,037). Pre-tax loss for the year stood at £2,061,429 (2023: £2,014,181). Sixes features in the Premium Club Turnover & Profits Blue Book, the latest edition of which features 1,194 companies. Sixes’ turnover of £11,386,795 is the 799th highest in the database. Companies can now have an unlimited number of people receive access to Propel Premium for a year for £995 plus VAT – whether they are an operator or a supplier. The single subscription rate is £495 plus VAT for operators and £595 plus VAT for suppliers. Email kai.kirkman@propelinfo.com to upgrade your subscription. 

Propel’s sector-leading guide to the UK’s 500 largest hospitality companies returns, to be made free to Premium subscribers on day of publication: The Propel 500 – 2026 report will analyse the companies leading the charge in hospitality, reporting on turnover, number of sites, and key staff. The guide will also include exclusive analysis to provide a full understanding of the market’s dynamics. Mark Wingett will delve into the mergers and acquisitions shaping the future of the top 500. Tim Street dissects the UK’s rapidly-developing franchise market and, as the experiential leisure sector becomes a cornerstone of modern hospitality, Katherine Doggrell will assess the rise of deals in the sector, as well as the shifts in the hotel industry. Data expert Mark Bentley, business development director at HDI, will look at emerging growth sectors and Meaningful Vision founder Maria Vanifatova will analyse the latest trends in the quick service restaurant market. Propel 500 – 2026 will be released on Friday, 9 January at 9am and will be available free to Premium Club subscribers. The report will be available to non-Premium Club subscribers for £595 plus VAT. A Premium Club subscription costs an annual sum of £495 plus VAT for operators and £595 plus VAT for suppliers. Companies can now have an unlimited number of people receive access to Premium Club for a year for £995 plus VAT – whether they are an operator or supplier. Email kai.kirkman@propelinfo.com today to sign up.

German Doner Kebab reports system-wide global sales of £179.1m: German Doner Kebab (GDK) has reported system-wide sales globally of £179.1m for the year ending 31 December 2024. Now employing more than 4,500 people in its restaurants around the world, the group said it is well placed for significant UK and new region growth over the next decade, including a development agreement for India. During the current 2025 financial year, GDK received a strategic investment from True Capital to support its continued rollout in the UK and accelerate growth across existing and new markets globally. It comes as Hero Brands, the platform for incubating a number of brands that includes GDK and Sides, reported operating profit, before exceptional items, of £0.7m, and received dividends of £2m from subsidiaries. The group also delivered £1.4m of group Ebitda during 2024. Hero Brands chairman Athif Sarwar said: “We are entering an exciting period of growth for Hero Brands as we continue to reinvest and create category-defining brands that represent today’s culture. Our goal is to connect with new talent across music, fashion and culture, and use our platform to incubate and scale high-value sustainable brands. What resonates today are authentic connections and culture-worthy moments that reflect consumer values and identity. We are focused on making partnerships that don’t just sell product or service, but spark conversation, build belonging and community, and deliver sustainable value.” Hero Brands has more than 70 restaurants in London across its various brands and in excess of 200 globally. Hero Brands has also launched Hero NXT, a new future-focused talent and licensing agency dedicated to forging long-term strategic partnerships and co-developing creator-led products and brand IP across entertainment, sports, fashion, food, beverage and lifestyle. With major collaborations already underway – including partnerships with music and style icon Stefflon Don, the world’s biggest TikToker, Khaby Lame and world-renowned football freestyler, Ben Nuttall, the group said Hero NXT is set to unlock new commercial opportunities for influential talent across both traditional and digital platforms.