Bingo operator sees numbers growing

Scottish-based bingo firm Club 3000 is looking to a further expansion after a multi-million-pound re-finance deal with Clydesdale Bank.

The business has acquired freehold properties at Carberry Place, Kirkcaldy, and in Liverpool as part of its latest growth.

The Kirkcaldy site was previously owned by the Caira family which was prominent in the leisure businesses in Fife for many years.

Both facilities are being overhauled and refurbished by the new owners.

Club 3000 now has three venues in Scotland, including one in Carrick Gate, Glenrothes.

It was bought 10 years ago from Gala after the Office of Fair Trading made Gala sell sites when it acquired the County group.

Club 3000 has a total of 14 sites across the UK, employing 440 staff and is looking to expand, particularly into London.

The multi-million-pound refinancing arrangement was facilitated by Jim Wales, commercial relationship manager with Clydesdale Bank’s Lanarkshire Customer Banking Centre.

Brian Fraser has owned and managed Club 3000 since 2006 when he opened the firm’s flagship site in Coatbridge.

He said: “Refinancing with Clydesdale Bank has freed up capital for us to invest in new locations.

“We already have facilities across the UK, and we are targeting London as a key market for our continuing growth.”

Jim Wales said: “Club 3000 has developed quickly into a very successful company with venues across the UK.

“We look forward to continuing our positive working relationship.”