Wildcats operator goes into administration

THE Provocative Group – a Leeds-based gentlemen’s clubs and bar operator – has called in administrators after suffering cash flow problems.

Owned by Matthew Haycox, the group runs clubs in Leeds, Harrogate, Wakefield and Huddersfield under the Wildcats brand.

Administrators Rob Sadler and Michael Saville, from insolvency experts Begbies Traynor in Leeds, were appointed last month.

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.