Member Article

50 not out for two North East health club colleagues

Two Bannatyne health club colleagues are celebrating fifty years’ service between them, as the company marks the 25th anniversary of the opening of its first health club.

North East regional manager Sue Stockdale and Michelle Kell, who is fitness manager at the Ingleby Barwick health club and regional fitness co-ordinator for the North East joined Duncan Bannatyne’s team at his very first health club – Ingleby Barwick – which opened 25 years ago.

Michelle was the first fitness advisor the business employed and has been at the Tees Valley club for the last 25 years, progressing her career to her present role. In addition to teaching classes at the health club she travels throughout the North East supporting fitness teams and delivering training.

Sue started her Bannatyne career as receptionist at Ingleby Barwick and has developed through the ranks, including managing the Darlington, Coulby Newham and Chester-le-Street health clubs. She is now responsible for six health clubs and two hotels.

Sue Stockdale said: “I am very proud that I have been able to build a successful career at the Bannatyne Group and have been supported all the way particularly through the management training programme, my superiors and colleagues. It is a great company to work for and I have a really strong and supportive team of general managers doing great work across the North East.

“Here’s to the next 25 years!”

Michelle said: “Training and development is really important in the fitness industry and the company is fantastic at encouraging staff to progress. I have been able to train and gain many qualifications and as part of my current role I have gained my Level 3 Management qualification and recently completed the Level 3 Award in Education & Training.

“I’ve seen a lot of changes over the years and feel privileged to still be part of the Bannatyne family, working with some amazing people and supporting our members in their fitness journeys.”

Duncan Bannatyne said: “Michelle and Sue were two of the first people I employed and the fact that they are still with me 25 years later is testament to their loyalty, and also to the focus we place on personal and professional development.

“Well done both of you, you’re a credit to the company.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by News Gathering .