94 | Tees Business
TEES Business appointments
Jim Casey, Nifco UK
Car parts manufacturer Nifco UK has
appointed Jim Casey to the position of
managing director.
Casey joins the Nifco team after more
than 14 years working at Lear Corporation,
a global manufacturer of automotive seating
and e-systems.
The Eaglescliffe-based business, which
manufactures plastic parts used in the
engines, interiors and exteriors of cars,
produced by BMW Mini, Ford, General
Motors, Honda, Jaguar Landrover, Nissan,
Renault, Toyota and Vauxhall Opel, has
reported more than 15 years of consistent
and consecutive growth.
Nifco UK operates out of two purpose-
built facilities, which represent a total
investment of more than £32m, with more
than 600 staff on site at the Durham Lane
plant.
New governors, Stockton Riverside
College Group
Stockton Riverside College Group has
appointed three of the region’s financial
leaders to its governing boards, bringing
with them a wealth of experience.
With a passion for the local area, the trio
will help drive the college forward with a
shared desire to raise aspirations through
education and give something back to the
community.
Financial directors Stuart Blackett
(pictured) and Kirk Siderman-Wolter
join Stockton Riverside College Group’s
corporation board, while Phil Heathcock has
been appointed to the NETA Board.
All respected members of the Tees
Valley business community, the new
board members will assist in ensuring the
continued financial sustainability of the
group.
Josh Ryan and Casey Hall, Cocoon &
Bauer
Tees-based interior design specialist Cocoon
& Bauer is celebrating after expanding its
team following a period of rapid of growth.
Providing interior design services for
the residential, commercial and hospitality
sectors, Cocoon & Bauer has employed a
further two interior designers – Josh Ryan
and Casey Hall – to support its growing
base of local and national clients.
Cocoon & Bauer was set up by Teesside
University graduate Peter Turner after he
spotted a gap in the market for commercial,
hospitality and high-end interior residential
design.
Karen Wilkinson, Bannatyne Group
Karen Wilkinson has been appointed to the
board of Bannatyne Fitness.
Karen has worked at the Bannatyne
Group for nearly 13 years and will undertake
the new and enlarged role of Group CX
(customer experience) and spa director,
which will cover all elements of the
business including hotel, health clubs and
spas, as well as head office.
Karen, who graduated from
Loughborough University with a degree in
Sports Science, Recreational Management
and Physical Education, joined the
Bannatyne Group as national spa manager
in 2007 and was appointed group head of
spa in 2012 and later as group spa director.
Karen Eve, Wellington Square
A leading property consultancy has
appointed Karen Eve as regional centre
manager.
The move follows a deal which saw
Stockton Council purchase Wellington
Square and appoint Knight Frank LLP as
managing agents.
Karen, currently manager of 350,000sq ft.
Castlegate Shopping Centre which includes
the 8,000sq ft. Castlegate Business Centre
and a multi-storey car park, has also taken
on the role of managing 220,000sq ft.
Wellington Square as regional centre
manager.
The position has the responsibility for
the effective management of business
and retail and includes commercialisation,
skills training and employee development,
procurement and management of contracts,
research, marketing, financial management,
and the retention and attraction of new
business and retail tenants.
Karen, who has worked for Knight Frank