Nicola, who began her career in the childcare sector, joined the club as receptionist in September 2003, a month before it opened. She progressed from receptionist to membership advisor before being appointed sales & marketing manager and has now taken over the management of the club. A well-known and popular figure with both members and staff, Nicola has seen the club grow to more than 3,000 members.
Nicola is not the only long-serving member of the team. Administrator Linda Wood and Fitness manager Graham Wood both joined in September 2003 and Cluster Sales Manager Ray Minghella in 2008. Ray has progressed his career from Café Bar Supervisor to Membership Advisor and now manages the sales team in both Chester le Street and Durham.
Based in the grounds of Emirates Durham, International Cricket Ground members can enjoy a range of refreshments from the cafe bar, which are served in either the lounge area, or on one of our balconies overlooking the cricket pitch and the picturesque Lumley Castle.
The club offers a combination of cardiovascular machines, resistance machines, free weights and multiple aerobics studios. Members also have access to a heated swimming pool, sauna, steam room, spa pool and free parking on site.
Nicola said: “I’m very proud to take over the management of the health club. It has been very exciting, and challenging, to be a part of a brand new health club and to see it grow to be so successful.
“To have the opportunity to progress my career from receptionist to general manager is very rewarding and testament to Bannatyne Fitness as an employer. I have received tremendous support and encouragement from senior management and the team and members at Chester-le-Street and I now planning to build on the club’s success and continue to take it forward.”