Member Article

Darlington business backs high-flying world champ

Building and structure experts, Stone Technical Services (STS), have renewed their sponsorship of one of the North East’s most successful sportsmen.

Swimmer Nick Parkes, from Stokesley, competes in a host of UK, European and worldwide competitions and has recently been crowned world champion in the 2017 Oceanman, a series of open water challenges that take part all over the world.

56-year-old Nick competes in the 50-60 age group and beat off competition from dozens of other swimmers from around the globe to be crowned world champion. Nick’s finishing position was sixth overall out of the entire field of several hundred competitors comprising of all age groups.

In addition, Nick also clinched the National 2017 titles in the 400 and 800-meters GB Championships in Sheffield, narrowly missing out on records that have stood for many years.

STS has sponsored Nick for the last four years, helping with his training by providing financial assistance for his travels and nutrition. He is also being trained by Lisa Bates, who coached Olympian Aimee Wilmott.

Nick said: “It’s been a phenomenal year with a lot of hard training that has really paid off. 2018 promises even more challenges and I can’t wait to take them on. I couldn’t do it, though, without the help and support of businesses like STS as they provide a real boost to my training and travel.”

Managing director of STS, Dave Stone, said: “Nick is a real inspiration and we’re all gripped by his commitment and incredible success. He trains so hard and we’re proud to be his sponsor for the coming year. How fantastic to have a world champion here in the North East.”

STS was established by Darlington brothers, Dave and Grahame Stone, in 1998 and they now have offices in Edinburgh city centre, near Stockport in Cheshire and in central London as well as their HQ on Kellaw Road in Darlington.

STS’s is made up of five divisions- STS RopeSpec, STS Lightning Protection, STS Restoration, STS Maintenance and Facilities Management and STS Conservation- and the new contracts are worth in the region of half a million pounds.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Anna Addison Associates .