Nigel Armstrong has been promoted from operations director to managing director at health club and hospitality operator Bannatyne Fitness.

Armstrong joined the company when it was founded by Duncan Bannatyne in 1996 and has been heavily involved in the company’s expansion ever since.

He also manages Bannatyne’s other leisure operations, which include Darlington’s New Grange Hotel and the recently-opened Bar Bannatyne at The Gate in Newcastle.

He takes up the newly-created position as the company formalises its management structure to meet its target of operating 40 health clubs by the end of 2005.

Construction is underway on sites in Shrewsbury, Hastings and Rotheram.

“This new role will allow me to focus on the company’s growing presence in hospitality markets, which is an area we are planning to expand further into,” said Armstrong. “The success of the New Grange Hotel and Bar Bannatyne will bring new and exciting prospects for this company in the future.”