A new holistic health and wellbeing business has been launched in Sunderland by two running enthusiasts, with help from advisers at the North East BIC.
Founded by 41year old Kimberley Kerry from Lambton and 50year old John Miller from Houghton-le-Spring, H3O Beach Saunas provide ‘pop-up’ saunas and cold plunge therapy.
The pair, who have been friends for more than 20 years and regularly run together, began bringing their portable holistic health business to users at various seaside locations last year. Since then, they have expanded their offer and are set to introduce their holistic approach to post-exercise recovery to runners at events in 2025.
Speaking about their journey Kimberley said: “I’ve always been a keen runner and during lockdown started to add to my wellbeing routine by introducing sea dips. I was drawn to the coast and found being in that environment so beneficial.
“I enjoyed my job in an office but really wanted an opportunity where I could be by the sea more often, so when I came across portable saunas, I knew I had found my calling. I took my idea to John on one of our runs, he’d used a pop-up sauna himself and was instantly onboard.”
The pair set about turning their business hopes into reality and were referred to advisers at the BIC to help them bring their ideas to life.
Helen Wardropper, Business Adviser at the North East BIC said: “It’s always a privilege to work with such passionate entrepreneurs. In the case of Kimberley and John, they had a solid idea and could see where they wanted to take their business, and how their offer was different to competitors.
“It was a pleasure to work with them in building their business plan and cash flow structure. We also helped them to secure some grant funding so they could market test their product and were delighted to host them earlier this month in showcasing their business to our tenants.”
H3O Beach Saunas is a modern portable pop-up sauna that can be set up in most locations. The insulated subtle design offers a larger and more modern version than similar products already on the market and houses four separate wooden benches, a wood burner with sauna stones and flute to provide the heat.
At present they offer their services on set days (Wednesday to Friday and weekends) to users at the Yacht Club on Roker Beach and at South Shields. The pair are also exploring other options and are open to private bookings. In 2025, they will be available to runners taking part in the Tidal Trails Event at South Shields and are building relationships to grow their event portfolio.
John, who is a former Superintendent, said: “I built my career in what many people would describe as a high-pressure environment, so I know the importance of balance and prioritising your wellbeing. It’s been a huge privilege working with Kimberley to get H3O off the ground.
“Switching from public service to running a business certainly presents some challenges and definite opportunities to learn. But the support we’ve had from the BIC has made everything easier to navigate. We simply wouldn’t be as far along on this journey and, thanks to their support, have a solid basis to take the business forward.”
H3O has received support via the Enterprising Sunderland programme, which provides a wide range of help for anyone considering self-employment.
Councillor Kevin Johnston, cabinet member for Housing, Regeneration, and Business at Sunderland City Council, said: “H3O Beach Saunas is a fantastic addition to Sunderland’s growing health and wellbeing sector. It’s always inspiring to see local entrepreneurs bringing fresh, innovative ideas to the city and turning their passion into a successful business.
“Sunderland has a dynamic and supportive business community, and new ventures like this only add to the city’s diverse and growing economy. I wish Kimberley and John every success as they continue to grow and develop their business.”
The start-up support from the BIC forms part of the Enterprising Sunderland project which has received £1,271,885 from the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund Programme, managed in Sunderland by Sunderland City Council on behalf of the Sunderland Partnership.
Find out more about H30 Beach Saunas on Instagram and Facebook.