Rhythm & Booze founder Martin Swaine has joined rival group Bargain Booze as a super-franchisee and consultant.

Swaine built Rhythm & Booze into a 70-strong chain across Yorkshire, Humberside, Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire but it fell into administration in March and was bought by Costcutter owner Bibby Retail Services. At the time, it was announced that Swaine would remain Rhythm & Booze MD.

At Bargain Booze he will support the company’s expansion into Yorkshire and trial new retail formats and innovations.

“Few people have built a sizeable off-licence and convenience business from scratch like Martin, so it’s a major coup that he’s joined Bargain Booze to support the development of our franchise business,” said Keith Webb, acting MD of Bargain Booze.

“He shares our passion for supporting independent retailers and helping them to maximise the potential of their businesses.”

Swaine said he was attracted by the opportunity to build his own chain of stores as a super-franchisee and support the group’s growth ambitions.

“I’m excited about the opportunity to bring Bargain Booze’s proven retail formats to Yorkshire and to use my network in the region to support the company’s expansion,” he said.

“There are excellent independent retailers operating across Yorkshire that could benefit from the buying, marketing and business support provided by Bargain Booze.”