Bannatyne Group

The Bannatyne Group is opening an express spa at the rejuvenated Teesside International Airport.

Following a £100,000 investment to create a luxury wellbeing environment, the spa, which is in a prime location in the departure lounge, opposite Duty Free, is expected to open in late 2021. It will create several jobs initially and more as demand increases.

The work is being carried out by a local firm to exacting specifications in keeping with the Bannatyne wellbeing brand.

The spa will offer a range of 15-to-30-minute treatments and experiences including massage chairs, manicures and pedicures, hands-on massage and the latest in skin revitalisation – LED face masks. There will also be the opportunity to purchase skincare products, thanks to a partnership with Elemis.

The treatments will be bookable in advance, or open to walk in passengers subject to availability.

Duncan Bannatyne, chief executive and chairman at the Bannatyne Group said: “As a Darlington-headquartered business it is obvious that the rebirth of Teesside International Airport has been a huge positive for the town and the region.

“Passenger numbers are high and increasing as new flights and destinations are announced and I am proud to be investing in our first Express Spa and contributing in a small way to the vision the Tees Valley Mayor has for the airport.”

Teesside International Airport has undergone a major, multimillion-pound transformation since it was bought back into public control by Tees Valley Mayor and Combined Authority. Ryanair’s flights to four popular holiday destinations have been taking off this summer, alongside KLM’s reintroduced service to Amsterdam Schiphol. Loganair’s schedule of domestic flights has recently had a boost following a deal with British Airways, which lets passengers go worldwide from Teesside on one ticket without rechecking bags when flying with BA via London Heathrow.

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “This is yet another vote of confidence in our airport from a renowned businessman who has seen the value of our transformation and wants to come on board. Duncan has an eye for spotting opportunities and growth and this latest venture is a testament to how far the airport has come, and he can see the potential.

“We’re always looking at ways to make the airport better, offering something a bit different experience for our passengers and standing out from the crowd. It’s also another example of how our airport is creating good-quality jobs for local people.”

Karen Wilkinson, operations director at the Bannatyne Group, said: “The transformation at Teesside Airport has been amazing and this is going to be another fantastic offering for its passengers. Whether it’s groups of friends, couples treating themselves pre-flight or a last-minute beauty fix the spa will cater for everyone.

“The emphasis will be on offering a calm and relaxing environment with first-class treatments and therapists, the perfect start to a holiday or a pick me up before a long-haul flight.”

ENDS

NEWS RELEASE: ISSUED ON BEHALF OF BANNATYNE GROUP

CONTACT: Caroline Walker on 01325 363436

Notes to editors:

With 69 sites across the UK the Bannatyne Health Clubs brand is owned by Duncan Bannatyne OBE, who is also known for his appearances as a business angel on the BBC programme Dragons’ Den. The company has more than 210,000 members and employs more than 3,000 people.

The Bannatyne Health Clubs chain is now in its 22^nd year, it began in 1997 with the first club on Teesside. The idea was born following a skiing accident after which Chairman Duncan Bannatyne OBE needed regular exercise to recover. He could not find facilities locally and decided to use some of the proceeds from the sale of his previous business, Quality Care Homes plc, to establish the fitness chain.

Bannatyne Health Clubs can now be found in towns and cities throughout the UK, with a particularly strong presence near residential areas of large towns. Bannatyne’s places a strong emphasis on wellbeing and exercise forming a central part of living a healthy lifestyle of its members.

A large number of Bannatyne Health Clubs also feature a Bannatyne Spa, which offer spacious therapy rooms providing luxurious treatments for men and women including body massage, facials, manicures and hairdressing. There are currently 47 Bannatyne Spa sites across the UK.

In addition Duncan Bannatyne OBE owns and operates a number of successful businesses as part of the Bannatyne Group including:

Bannatyne Hotels Ltd, which operates Bannatyne Hotel incorporating Maxine’s Restaurant in Darlington, County Durham, The Bannatyne Spa Hotel in Hastings, Bannatyne’s Charlton House hotel in Shepton Mallet, Somerset and Bannatyne Hotel in Durham City.

www.bannatyne.co.uk