ONE of the North's biggest associations of manufacturing companies has elected a new president.

PAUL ASHLEY, pictured right, managing director of Carlisle-based Clark Door, will head the Northern Association of the Engineering Employers Federation, which represents almost 300 firms across the North-East and Cumbria. Mr Ashley is on the board of the Small Business Service for Cumbria, and sits on the board of the Engineering Network. He is also active in Carlisle Business Forum.

l Bannatyne Fitness, the UK's largest independent health club operator, has appointed DAWN STOKER as general manager of its new health club in Darlington. Dawn, who lives in Sunderland, will be responsible for running the club, concentrating on a membership drive, recruitment and development of the club before its opening in May. Dawn joins Bannatyne's from David Lloyd Leisure where she held the position of assistant general manager at the company's Teesside club.

l Business recovery specialists Harrisons has made two senior appointments in Stockton. KEN MARLAND becomes a partner in the practice, while DENIS BRADLEY has been appointed business development manager. Ken, 39, joined Harrisons in 1999 and has been running the company's successful Granthan operation since that time. A licensed insolvency practitioner, he has a widespread experience of the industry working with major firms across England. Denis, 53, has spent the past two years working as support manager for Harrisons in the UK. He joins existing partner Neil Harrison in serving corporate and personal clients across the North-East region.