Two business have joined forces in a real family affair.

The Court House squash and gym club, owned by Richard Burns, has bought a stake in healthy eating company Natural Ltd, where Catherine Burns, married to Mr Burns’ nephew Chris, is managing director.

Ms Burns said the two companies would now work closely together to provide individual and corporate clients with advanced health programmes.

She added: “Natural Ltd is only three years old but I am really proud of the success we’ve had so far, especially in such a tough and competitive market.

“I’m very independent and was determined to pave my own way to build something unique that makes a real difference to Bermuda.

“Now that we’re established, we want to grow and it makes sense to come together and pool our skill sets.

“As the market leader, Court House has a huge amount to offer us in terms of opportunity, so we are really excited.”

Court House operates from Victoria Place in Hamilton’s Victoria Street, while Natural Ltd is based in Gorham Road.

Mr Burns said: “Court is thriving — joining up with Natural Ltd will take us another step further, helping us to develop our existing wellness offering for our membership.

“Catherine has an excellent track record and reputation across corporate, private and community sectors and we’ll work together to offer increasingly dynamic and hands-on wellness solutions.

“We’ve already got lots in the pipeline so it will be a busy end to a great year.”

Natural Ltd also runs the Beat the Couch running and exercise programme.

The first joint project between the two firms is to offer a new version of Nutrifit, Natural Ltd’s a six week nutrition and fitness course starting later this month.

Sue Pell, the manager at Court House, said: “On the fitness side, we’ve worked with Catherine to create two new classes, natural yoga and natural fusion, that will evolve with the group as their fitness and energy levels improve.”

The new courses will be run in conjunction with trainer and health coach Jill Bennet, who will provide the health coaching element of the courses.

Ms Burns said that the link-up with Court House would mean Natural Ltd would be “moving on from some existing partnerships”.

But she added she would also continue to work with some existing partners.

Ms Burns said: “The next session of Beat the Couch, starting on October 1, is testament to that as there will be a lot of familiar faces.”