THIS week’s trader is pilates company All About Pilates, which, like all businesses in the current climate, has been forced to adjust to the new normal – video chats.

Joanna Gibson gave up her job in March to focus on All About Pilates, which she founded in 2019, just weeks before the country went into lockdown.

The instructor, who previously worked at a solicitors but decided to pursue pilates as she approached a "milestone birthday", started with evening classes at Chancery Lane, Darlington, before expanding classes across the North-East.

She said: "It has been very challenging setting up a new business and I have learned so much about myself, pilates, other people and running a business.

"I was sceptical whether video would work or if people would want to do it like that but it's actually working really well.

"More people are actually participating and more often because they are not having to travel to a class."

Due to this success, Ms Gibson, who is also qualified to teach pilates for pregnancy and older clients so is looking to offer niche in the future, said after coronavirus, she will likely keep some form of online classes.

Classes are restricted to ten people as videos begin to get too small on her screen and this makes it difficult to give pointers and correct form, which is something she would normally be walking around a room and giving.

People have been taking part via a laptop, tablet and smart phones. Classes, which were £7.50, cost £5 to join in online. Find out more at www.allaboutpilates.studio

The Northern Echo understands most businesses are currently not operating as normal due to the pandemic but we hope to use Trader of the Week to help ease uncertainty during this time. If you would like to be featured, email tasmin.lockwood@newsquest.co.uk