A COUPLE who received less than a month's notice that the shop where they worked was closing down have teamed up to start a fitness business together.

Ian Archer, 25, and Amie Stevenson, 23, had been working in the Hartlepool branch of TK Maxx when it closed in 2009 but chose to start an enterprise in a very different field.

Their business Bushido Fitness aims to tackle rising obesity rates in the region, using fitness, training and nutrition guidance.

Ian, who has a degree in sport and exercise science from Sunderland University, said: “Our business will offer high-quality, affordable personal training, exercise classes and dietary advice.”

He has also boxed and coached for a number of years, while Amie is a personal trainer.

Ian said: “We’ve both had an active interest in fitness for a very long time and I’m over the moon about setting up my own business in something I really enjoy doing.”

The couple, who have a five-year-old son, Jack, are also planning classes for mothers and toddlers, plus fitness classes and boxing training in gyms across Durham.

They worked with the East Durham Business Service in order to get the idea off the ground.

Business adviser Katie Harbron said: “Ian and Amie were referred to us from Job Centre Plus and we have been able to give them the business support and advice they need in setting up their first business.

“It’s fantastic to see them grow in confidence and I’m really pleased that they came to us for support.”