Finnmark Sauna has been named among the North East’s fastest-growing businesses, ranking sixth overall and third in the Small Business category in the 2026 North East Fastest 50.
The rankings, published by Ward Hadaway in partnership with The Journal, were announced at an awards ceremony at the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art on 9 October. The recognition comes as the UK sauna sector continues to expand, with Finnmark now preparing for its next phase of growth.
Founded in the North East in 2016, Finnmark has grown from a one-person operation into a business employing 70 people, delivering residential and commercial sauna projects across the UK. Its portfolio includes the UK’s tallest sauna at Shangri-La The Shard, the largest at Arc Canary Wharf and the country’s first floating sauna at WYLD in Liverpool Docks.
The company also supplies spas, health clubs, hotels and sports organisations, alongside an ecommerce business selling saunas, heaters, materials and accessories. It is now looking to build on this activity through larger commercial projects in the UK and further expansion into European markets.
Jake Newport, CEO of Finnmark Sauna, said the award marked an important milestone in the company’s tenth year, but added that he believes the market still has room to develop.
“There is much greater awareness now around what makes a good sauna experience, from heat and ventilation through to materials, design and bathing culture,” he said. “That is creating a much more ambitious market.”
Finnmark’s international activity has included sponsoring the Sauna Live Stage at the International Sauna Congress in Oslo in September, where industry representatives gathered to discuss developments in sauna design and culture. Newport said the company’s next priorities include entering new markets and taking on larger commercial projects, as spas, hotels and wellness operators continue to invest in their sauna facilities.
