A catalyst for job creation and economic prosperity

By any standard, 2023 was a landmark year for Sedgefield’s North East Technology Park (NETPark), which embarked on a £62 million expansion that represents a significant milestone in its development. Its growth, led by Durham County Council, is set to have a substantial impact, holding the potential to generate 1250 skilled jobs and contribute £625 million to the local economy over the next decade.

NETPark is already a vibrant hub of innovation and collaboration in science and technology.

Home to around 40 companies, from start-ups to established global players that cover a diverse range of expertise and work at the forefront of their respective industries, the park has played a pivotal role in driving economic growth and prosperity in the region.

A significant milestone for the project was the arrival of the steelwork for NETPark’s Phase Three expansion.

The sheer scale of the steelwork arriving on-site signifies the ambition and progress of the project.

The NETPark team has actively promoted its expansion plans and successes throughout the year, attending key industry conferences and events.

This outreach has been instrumental in generating interest from businesses and investors, and it has helped raise awareness of NETPark’s position as a leading science and technology park in the UK.

Another significant development in 2023 was the opening of the new marketing suite for NETPark’s Phase Three expansion.

The marketing suite provides a dedicated space for potential tenants, partners and visitors to learn more about the park and to experience its unique environment with a first-hand look at the new facilities.

Pioneering companies at NETPark: A showcase of innovation

NETPark is already home to several remarkable companies, each contributing to the park’s reputation as a hub of innovation.

Notable companies include:

Kromek: A leading developer of high-performance radiation detection products based on cadmium zinc telluride, Kromek designs, develops and produces x-ray and gamma-ray imaging and radiation detection products for the medical, security screening and nuclear markets.

Filtronic: A leading provider of microwave and radio frequency components and sub-systems, the company’s products are used in a wide range of applications, from mobile phones to satellites.

Andrew Turner Inventions: An exemplar in innovation, the company propels ideas from prototype to market, providing solutions that make a meaningful impact on industries and communities. The company has developed transformative inventions in partnership with the NHS, Northumbrian Water and other industry leaders.

Redditch Medical: The company provides cleanroom contamination control products to the life science industry, with products sold globally from Australia and Japan to Costa Rica.

Tekgem: A world leader in protecting critical national infrastructure from serious cyber threats in the niche field of cybersecurity, it helps safeguard the computer systems and technologies of clients, primarily those in the process industry.

Wootzano: The start-up is working to advance nanotechnology in the robotics industry with robots capable of sensing and feeling as humans do, using a unique electronic skin.

Looking to the future

As the new year begins, the momentum at NETPark shows no sign of slowing down.

The construction is set to continue and, with significant interest in the new units, watch this space for announcements of new tenants.

The 20th anniversary of NETPark is also on the horizon, providing an opportunity to reflect on the success of its tenants and partners, and to celebrate the park’s journey as a centre of technological advancement and innovation.

NETPark is a shining example of the innovation and entrepreneurial spirit thriving in the North East.

The park is playing a vital role in creating jobs, attracting investment and developing new technologies that are making a difference in the world.

As NETPark continues to grow and develop, it is set to become an even more prominent hub of economic activity and technological advancement in the years to come.

With its commitment to innovation and collaboration, NETPark is poised to continue its remarkable journey of success, shaping the future of the North East and beyond.

 

www.businessdurham.co.uk

@_BusinessDurham

www.northeasttechnologypark.com

For more information, call 01740 625250.