THE dancing goes on at a Leeds lapdance club despite the company which owns it falling into administration.
Leeds-based "gentlemen's clubs" and bars operator, The Provocative Group, called in administrators after suffering cash flow problems.
Owned by Matthew Haycox of Leeds, the group also runs clubs in Harrogate, Wakefield and Huddersfield under the W
ildcats brand.
Administrators Rob Sadler and Michael Saville, from insolvency experts Begbies Traynor in Leeds, were appointed last month.
Consortium
Mr Sadler said the business had suffered cash flow difficulties.
The Leeds and Harrogate clubs, which operate from leasehold premises, have been sold to a consortium including former directors of the business, Mr Haycox among them. They continue to trade as normal and under the Wildcats brand.
A buyer is being sought for clubs in Wakefield, Huddersfield and Barnsley which are also continuing to operate as normal from freehold premises. Clubs in Blackpool and Bristol have closed.
Leeds-born Mr Haycox is a former Leeds Grammar School pupil. After five years working in a clothing company he left in 2003 to start the Wildcats chain, starting in Cheapside, Wakefield.
The Leeds club is in the Headrow. Plans for it caused controversy amid concerns over the number of lap dance bars opening in the city.
Harrogate Wildcats is in Oxford Street and opened in 2005.
Mr Haycox, 27, originally from Roundhay, said his business was "aiming to move away from the 1980s image of sleazy strip bars. We want to change the face of lap dancing and offer the perfect alternative late night club that will appeal to both men and women.
"It's not just a place for lads and stag dos – we are seeing more groups of girls and couples craving something different from a night out."
The full article contains 303 words and appears in EP Leeds First & County newspaper.
