Cream to launch labels as club shuts its doors. (News).

The Cream Group is looking to expand its business through new record label deals and, ultimately, signing its own acts, despite announcing that its landmark Liverpool club is to close.

The group confirmed last Tuesday that its founding "superclub" at Nation in Liverpool was shutting under a 30-day review period. The 20 staff at the Liverpool nightclub were told of the news the previous evening.

Under UK employment law, staff have to be consulted for 30 days over the closure, during which time possible rescue ideas can be investigated. However, it is understood that there is little prospect of the venue reopening once the consultation period expires in mid-September.

Co-founder James Barton says the decision affects solely its Liverpool club and that the rest of its operations will continue. The Lomax Live Venue will also continue to operate from Nation.

"This has been a difficult decision, but it was a decision we have had to take," he says. "The rest of the business is not affected at all. We will continue to be as active as we have in previous years.

"Ten years ago, when we launched, there was a demand for seeing lots of big DJs under one roof. But every club brand has big events or festivals business now; young people want more for their money and a bigger experience."

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