Driving innovation and growth in the North East defence sector

RED Scientific (RED) recently expanded into the North East Technology Park (NETPark) in Sedgefield, a move that strengthens the company’s commitment to advancing regional defence and security innovation.

RED’s operational digital wargaming platform is helping shape high-level defence strategy, supporting mission rehearsal, logistics planning and staff officer training at the Ministry of Defence and NATO.

These aren’t games for entertainment, they are evidence-based simulations rooted in mathematical modelling, operational analysis and data science.

RED’s platform draws on the study of more than 160 historical conflicts, using the analysis to generate realistic and testable scenarios.

Established more than 35 years ago, RED has evolved into a trusted defence and security consultancy, delivering projects across digital engineering, systems integration and supportability and safety assessments.

The company is a supplier across key Ministry of Defence frameworks and works in collaboration with prime contractors.

RED’s decision to open a base at NETPark marks a strategic step in its national growth.

Marc Brûlé-Walker, managing director, says: “NETPark offers more than just office space – it offers the strategic environment we seek, combining technical infrastructure with the credibility to host high-level defence and security engagements.”

The move has already proven invaluable.

RED has hosted secure and high-profile meetings on site that have included clients normally embedded in the South West.

The NETPark office also supports RED’s broader mission to grow defence and security capability in the North East.

Marc is chair of the North East Regional Defence and Security Cluster (NERDSC), a volunteer-led network of more than 140 organisations working to increase regional representation in the UK defence and security sector.

He says: “The North East has world-class capability, but less than one per cent of the workforce here is employed in defence and security.

“There is huge potential to change that.

“NETPark plays a key role, not just as a base for companies like ours, but as a magnet for collaboration and innovation.”

Collaboration is at the heart of RED’s operating model.

The company delivers many of its contracts in partnership with academia and other specialist organisations, often acting as a prime contractor to build ‘rainbow teams’ for complex challenges.

Looking ahead, RED is also exploring how its defence expertise could support other sectors requiring a robust scientific approach to decision making, such as the UK energy sector.

As a member of NOF, a national business development organisation in the energy sector, RED is undertaking a feasibility study into how its modelling and risk analysis capabilities could support resilience and planning in the production and distribution of renewable energy.

With a skilled hybrid workforce, strong defence credentials and a growing regional footprint, RED’s presence at NETPark is part of a long-term strategy focused on innovation, collaboration and value creation.

Sarah Slaven, Business Durham managing director, says: “It’s great to welcome RED to NETPark, where it is carrying out ground-breaking work in defence and security innovation.

“As the organisation that manages NETPark, Business Durham is pleased to support RED’s efforts in building the North East’s defence sector.

“We provide a platform for growth, offering not just world-class facilities but tailored business support to tenants.

“NETPark is proud to help RED and other businesses drive innovation, create opportunities and contribute to the wider development of the sector in the North East.”

 

NETPark

To find out more about how NETPark can support your business’ growth and innovation plans, visit www.northeasttechnologypark.com

LinkedIn: The North East Technology Park – NETPark

Business Durham

www.businessdurham.co.uk

LinkedIn: Business Durham