Duo look to make splash with sauna venture

Two entrepreneurs are aiming to make a splash with a pop-up sauna business.

Kimberley Kerry and John Miller have launched H3O Beach Saunas.

The firm provides portable saunas and cold plunge therapy.

The pair, who have been friends for more than 20 years and regularly run together, were supported by the North East BIC – via the Enterprising Sunderland programme – to establish the venture.

Kimberley said: “I’ve always been a keen runner and during lockdown started to add to my wellbeing routine by introducing sea dips.

“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 and was instantly onboard.” 

John, 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. 

“The support we’ve had from the BIC has made everything easier to navigate.”

Helen Wardropper, North East BIC business adviser, added: “Kimberley and John had a solid idea.

“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.” 

The start-up support from the North East 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.

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