Member Article

Armageddon business is fighting fit

When Stuart Roper faced redundancy he decided to turn his passion for fitness into his self employment.

Stuart and his wife Susan, from Seaburn, decided to take action after being made redundant from the Northern Rock. He had heard about the start up support available from the North East BIC and decided to get in touch for advice on how to start up his own fitness business and from here Armageddon Fit was born. Stuart said:

“I have always led an active lifestyle, I started kickboxing five years ago so once I had been made redundant I had my plan of action. I made an appointment to see business adviser Chris Craig at the BIC. Chris was great he helped me put together my business plan and gave me lots of advice on running my own business.”

In January 2011 Stuart, who currently holds the BFKKO Northern Area Champion, opened his indoor business and has not looked back since, he continues:

“Someone once said to me enjoy what you do for a living and you will never work again and it’s just so true to me. I can easily get up at 5.30am and not get in until 10pm but it really is a joy, much better than sitting behind a desk in an office clock watching. I also get to spend more time with my wife and two sons, Jamie and Liam.

“I can be a lot more flexible being my own boss and of course it is fantastic to see my clients get results. One came to me weighing 34 stone and has lost 14 stone in just a year. I have helped people get ready for the army, even those who had failed their fitness test previously. I train fire brigade and police recruits and I also trained ITV’s Biggest Loser Kev who went on to win the show. If you come to our training academy you will find sparring, one to one training, kickboxing and group training.

“My business is called Armageddon Fit because it signifies the end of the old you and your old eating habits. It marks a new era in your life.”

Stuart’s business adviser, Chris Craig added: “Stuart has been so successful at carving out a career for himself. He has been so dedicated about the business from the start and its always inspiring to see people who turn their hobbies into their full time jobs. I wish him all the best for the future…and may even partake in a sparring session!”

The North East BIC offers a wide range of products and services to support the needs of anything who wishes to start a new business, and assists over 150 enterprises in the getting off the ground each year. To contact the business support team call 0191 516 6149 or email businesssupport@ne-bic.co.uk.

For those interested in becoming fit visit Armageddon Fit.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Sarah Spence .