Majestic Bingo in Brickfields saved thanks to Real Fun Group

Majestic Bingo's Worcester branch on Derwent Close in Brickfields was in administration until it was acquired by the Real Fun Group before Christmas.

SAVED: Majestic Bingo in Derwent Close in Brickfields, Worcester has a new owner and has become part of the Real Fun Group (Image: James Connell/Newsquest)

Majestic continued to trade but now staff and customers have the best Christmas and New Year's present imaginable after it was bought by the company, saving 143 jobs including 15 at Worcester.

The new owner, Kevin McGinnigle, chief executive of Real Fun Group, the company which has acquired the local bingo hall, said he took over Majestic on December 21.

Mr McGinnigle said: "Majestic Bingo Limited entered administration back in summer, putting over 130 jobs at risk across the estate. Well, after working tirelessly to strike a deal with the administrator, we’ve managed to rescue the business."

SAVED: Majestic Bingo in Brickfields (Image: James Connell/Newsquest)

The 36-year-old said: "There's a lot of relief and happiness from staff. A lot of people go to the club. It's their support network. They have got their friends there and they socialise there."

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Mr McGinnigle, who is originally from near Liverpool, comes from a family of regular bingo players, He says he intends to keep Majestic as it is for now with no immediate plans to change the name, describing bingo as 'close to my heart'.

HOPE: Kevin McGinnigle Enlivon Group Founder has bought Majestic Bingo in Worcester (Image: Supplied)

"It's the heart of the community. We want to bring the fun back into bingo and the only way we can do that is to become part of the community. We have a few ideas and plans. We want to make it fun and to give something back to the community," he said.

We previously reported how Interpath Advisory, appointed to handle the administration, said Majestic had been profitable but had been badly hit by the pandemic.

The administrators said they would continue to trade the venues as a going concern while they explored the options.

Majestic Bingo was one of the leading independent UK operators of retail bingo, with eight clubs spanning across England and Wales.

Majestic Bingo had branches in Skegness, Tonypandy, Bishop Auckland, Donnington, Camborne, Rhyl and Caernarfon.

New owners Real Fun Group are hoping to become a "prominent player" in the UK's independent bingo sector following the acquisition of eight bingo clubs and their freeholds from Majestic Bingo out of administration.

The deal expands the group's portfolio to a total of ten such clubs throughout England and Wales, while safeguarding the employment of more than 140 individuals.

Majestic Bingo Limited entered administration on July 7, 2023, overseen by Tim Bateson and Chris Pole from Interpath Advisory as joint administrators.

Bateson said: "Having been appointed in July 2023 and traded the business for nearly six months, we are absolutely delighted to have achieved this going concern sale, which not only will see all eight venues continue to trade, but which also both safeguards the employment of 140 people and ensures continuity for the communities which these clubs serve.

"We would like to extend our thanks to the many stakeholders who have provided support to the administration team since our appointment, including customers, suppliers and Majestic's dedicated staff.

"Their support has enabled us to conclude this transaction which will enable the business to continue under new ownership."

Mr McGinnigle, chief executive of Real Fun Group, added: "I'm incredibly excited by this opportunity. This was a well-run business that was hit with devastating luck over the last few years, and I can't wait to work with the team.

"To sit here today, knowing we’re able to keep so many people in work is an unbelievable feeling."