A husband and wife duo are turning personal adversity into business innovation with the launch of ReFrame Health and Wellness Club at the North East BIC.
Founders Lauren and Matt Harding officially open their specialist reformer Pilates studio doors on Monday, May 18, marking a significant pivot following a series of life-altering health challenges.
The driving force for the venture came last year when Matt, who led a demanding high-end joinery firm, was diagnosed with Lynch syndrome and subsequently suffered a stress-related stroke. Realising their fast-paced lifestyle was unsustainable, the couple decided to “reframe” their focus toward a business that prioritised holistic health for themselves and the wider Sunderland community.
Lauren Harding, co-founder of ReFrame Health and Wellbeing Club, said: “Navigating a serious health crisis was a wake-up call for us both as individuals and as entrepreneurs. It was the moment we realised our lifestyle had to change. We decided to combine our professional expertise in design and construction to create something with a real sense of purpose – a business built on resilience and the importance of taking a holistic approach to health and longevity.”
Steph Drinkald, Assistant Centre Manager at the North East BIC, said: “We’re delighted to welcome ReFrame to our business community. Lauren and Matt’s story is a powerful example of entrepreneurial resilience. By blending their existing professional skills with a new passion for wellness, they have created a unique service that adds real value to the diversity of businesses based here at the BIC.”
Utilising Matt’s technical joinery background and Lauren’s expertise as Director of LC Interiors, the duo bypassed traditional equipment suppliers to design and commission their own bespoke reformers. The eight machines feature high-specification, imported German-engineered springs to ensure a premium, durable user experience that rivals leading global brands.
The studio’s aesthetic, inspired by the high-end residential projects Lauren delivers for her interior architecture clients, features classic paneling and a calming colour palette, creating an environment designed for mental clarity as well as physical movement.
The club offers a diverse schedule including Beginner Foundations, Strength & HIIT, and Yoga-based stretch sessions, alongside specialist equipment such as Wunda Chairs and Jump Boards.
Lauren added: “I wanted to create a space that feels safe and inclusive. In this industry it’s easy to feel intimidated, but our philosophy is about staying in your own lane. Our studio features individual mirrors for every bed so clients can focus entirely on their own process rather than feeling competitive.”
The arrival of ReFrame further diversifies the BIC’s tenant base, highlighting the centre as a hub for entrepreneurs who are blending professional expertise with personal passion to drive regional growth.
You can find out more about ReFrame Health and Wellness Club, here: https://reframewellnessclub.co.uk/