The year 2023 was a landmark year for the North East Technology Park (NETPark) at Sedgefield, as it embarked on a £61 million expansion, marking a significant milestone in its development.
This expansion, led by Durham County Council, is set to have a substantial impact, with the potential to generate 1,250 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 a diverse range of sectors, from startups to established global players, all working 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 3 expansion. The sheer scale of the steelwork arriving on-site signifies the ambition and progress of this project.
The NETPark team has been actively promoting 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 to raise awareness of NETPark’s position as a leading science and technology park in the UK.
Another important development in 2023 was the opening of the new marketing suite for NETPark’s Phase 3 expansion. The marketing suite provides a dedicated space for potential tenants and partners to learn more about the park and the opportunities it offers. The suite is located on-site, allowing visitors to experience the park’s unique environment and get a firsthand 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:
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, Northumbria Water and other industry leaders.
Redditch Medical: Provides cleanroom contamination control products to the life science industry with products are 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 cyber security that helps safeguard the computer systems and technologies used by clients primarily in the process industry.
Filtronic: A leading provider of microwave and radio frequency (RF) components and sub-systems. The company’s products are used in a wide range of applications, from mobile phones to satellites.
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.
As we look forward to the coming year, the momentum at NETPark shows no signs of slowing down. The construction is set to continue and with interest high in the new units, watch this space for announcements of new tenants.
The 20-year anniversary of NETPark is also on the horizon, providing an opportunity to reflect on the success of its tenants and partners, and celebrate the park’s journey as a center of technological advancement and innovation.
NETPark is a shining example of the innovation and entrepreneurial spirit that is thriving in the North East of England. The park is playing a vital role in creating jobs, attracting investment, and developing new technologies that are making a difference to the world. As NETPark continues to grow and develop, it is set to become an even more prominent hub of economic activity and innovation 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.
Find out more about NETPark at www.northeasttechnologypark.com
