CO ANTRIM gym equipment manufacturer BLK BOX has appointed former Leckey CEO, Ben Stocks, as its managing director.
The chartered accountant and Institute of Directors (IoD) Northern Ireland Young Director of the Year in 2021 will lead the Newtownabbey-based company alongside founder Greg Bradley.
BLK BOX designs, manufactures and installs gym solutions for some of the biggest brands in the world including Google, Nike, Manchester United, Arsenal, PureGym and Irish and Ulster Rugby.
Last year it relocated to a new 140,000 sq ft manufacturing and distribution facility at Monkstown Industrial Estate in a £1 million investment. That followed a £2m investment in November 2020 in new equipment.
Mr Stocks' background includes a managing director role at ecommerce cycling retailer Chain Reaction.
“We’ve got a brilliant team, we’ve got amazing clients and we’ve got an ambitious plan," he said. "Along with our passion, vision and enthusiasm, we also have the skills and experience to deliver so, I would say, let’s go change the world.”
BLK BOX founder Greg Bradley said: “Ben has been working with me as non-executive director for the last 12 months, during which time he has helped BLK BOX meet the demands of rapid growth and set in place a strategy that will see the company continue to expand globally,” he said.
“He has one of the sharpest minds I have met in business and brings a wealth of experience from his time at Chain Reaction Cycles and Leckey.
“I will still be heavily involved within the company, predominantly focussing on key relationships, strategy, brand and product. Together we are tremendously excited about the next chapter.”