Our executive team mix a breadth and depth of knowledge within the industry to help drive forward our commitment to growing our company.

James Spragg
Chief Executive
James has been involved in the leisure industry for the last 14 years working for Allied Domecq, Scottish and Newcastle, Whitbread and more recently as Commercial Director for Novus Leisure.
In January 2008, James teamed up with the investment firm Agilo to buy Sports Café out of administration. In March 2008, CanDu Entertainment was also bought out of administration and the two groups were put together to form Yellowhammer Bars.

Hilary Thomas
Director of Finance
Hilary has been involved within the leisure industry in senior finance roles for almost 25 years and has worked for Whitbread Group finance, Richardsons Inns, Barracuda Bars, Rileys Snooker Halls, Allied Leisure Ltd and Megabowl Ltd.
Hilary joined CanDu Entertainment Ltd as Deputy Finance Director in January 2007 and was appointed Director of Finance at Yellowhammer Bars in July 2008.

John Aust
Commercial Consultant
John has been involved in the Leisure Industry in a senior capacity for over 25years. Having worked for Whitbread and Pleasurama heavily influencing both their Stock Control and Purchasing Systems joined Luminar Leisure as a founder Director. In that time he was instrumental in the roll out of the Chicago Rock Cafe brand and successful acquisition and integration of Northern Leisure. More recently John has worked with both Sports Cafe and CanDu prior to the acquisition by Agilo.

Derek Parfitt
Head of Personnel and Health & Safety
Derek runs a number of Business Services companies covering Finance, Business Consulting, Personnel Management, and Leadership Training. The client base encompasses Aviation, Insurance, Leisure, Food manufacturing and Property. Prior to this Derek held Director positions with Morrels, Green King and The Magic Pub Company. Having started out as a Physist he moved sectors to be an Analyst in the City prior to catching the Night Club bug and joining Mecca prior to its purchase by Rank.

Carl Anderson
Operations Director (South)
Carl has worked in the industry for 20 years, His Management career began as a Trainee Manager with the Rank Origination where he stayed for 9 years. He then joined First Leisure before moving on to Luminar PLC, where he held an number of position including, Divisional Business Development Manager – Carl then became part of the Management buy out team that would become CanDu Entertainment which was acquired by Agilo in March 08.

Ben Parr
Operations Director (East)
Ben starting in clubs as a barman whilst at university for ‘First Leisure’ and quickly moved through the ranks before moving to CanDu Entertainment as one of the industry’s youngest general managers at the age of 21 at Mojos and the Beach in Chesterfield. 
After excelling in this position, Ben was quickly promoted to Business Development Manager to help support company developments on our North region.  In August 2008, he took over the East region for Yellowhammer Bars, where he developed and launched our new brand ‘Groove’ in Northampton.

David Thornton
Operations Manager (Central & South East)
David started working in the nightclub business in 1992 for First Leisure. Moving onwards and upwards he became a General Manager in 1995 for Luminar Leisure. He has managed a host of businesses of various sizes and launching a number of new venues. David thrives on the challenge or moving a business forward from a challenging situation. He is a committed member of the Management within his region and aspiring to be one step ahead of the competition.

Will Sherwin
Operations Director (North)
Will Sherwin joined The Sports Cafe in June 2007 as Operations Director. Although originally trained to be a teacher, he has never stepped foot in a classroom since leaving college.
Will has a wealth of experience in the late night licensed/leisure trade and has held senior management positions within The Rank Group and Northern Leisure and was Operations Director for over 80 sites in Luminar’s Northern Dancing Division. He consulted for Capes UK Security and was appointed Commercial Director of that company after leaving First Leisure. Will won a BEDA Award while managing the Majestyk Superclub.
Will is responsible for all the day to day running, financial and strategic planning of the estate and for the unit management teams. He has recently overseen the hugely successful launch of Chilli White, our high end style bar in Leeds.