Bannatyne Fitness chairman, Duncan Bannatyne, has been named Northern Entrepreneur of the Year 2003 and will go on to the national final in October.

As the UK’s largest independent health club operator with 28 clubs either open or under development, Bannatyne has an ambitious expansion programme which will see the company operating 40 clubs across the UK by 2004 and increasing its turnover to £100m.

Honoured to be presented with the title, Bannatyne said: “This is an example of the respect the business community has for entrepreneurs who are single minded about the success of their enterprises and everyone involved with the company ensures we provide a first-class service to our members. ”