Nightclub Company boss hotly denies insolvency rumours

The Nightclub Company has unequivocally refuted rumours that it is facing insolvency after contrary reports on the health of the leisure operator reached The Publican​.

Chris Howell, chief executive, responded quickly to quash any doubt about the viability of his company, saying: "These rumours are completely unfounded and spurious nonsense."

A spokesman for the Leicester-baased company added: "This is a small industry and there are always rumours flying around.

"The management are continuing to follow the restructuring strategy and with a lot of costs taken out trading is good and the business continues to be successful," he continued.

The viability of the Nightclub Company has been the subject of some speculation since it was formed in a management buy-out from First Leisure after the latter went into receivership following lease reversions from another bankrupt company.

Nightclub Company's new team, led by John Smith, set about culling unprofitable sites from the original 22-strong estate. Mr Smith left abruptly in December 2004, after "tensions in the boardroom as to the best strategy for reviving the company".