Newcastle's UK Biometrics in talks with defence giant BAE

May 14 2009 by Andrew Mernin, The Journal

GLOBAL defence group BAE could be set to enlist the help of a North East technology business to safeguard its production sites, which demand ultra-high levels of security.

Newcastle-based UK Biometrics, which specialises in security systems activated by fingerprints, has entered talks with the international firm which, if successful, could present it with an array of lucrative opportunities.

The firm caught the attention of BAE’s radar at a recent investment conference and is now in talks with representatives of the multinational’s Investment in Innovation arm – a vehicle which looks to bring new defence and security technologies to market.

Meanwhile, following its recent pitch for investment at last month’s CONNECT investment conference in Sedgefield in County Durham, the firm also says its products are now being circled by five major investment houses.

It has also stepped up talks with international foods and care products manufacturer Unilever with a view to a possible deal.

As well as fingerprint-recognition products, UK Biometrics has developed face-recognition technology and is currently experiencing strong demand for its CCTV systems which can be accessed via remote devices. Managing director Matt James said: “We have got five different investment houses watching us very closely or ready to make a move.

“BAE is very keen on looking at our fingerprint solutions moving forward and we have engaged in early talks with them and it’s looking very promising. Cleveland Police have also said they want to work with us and they’ve made some very positive statements.”

Mr James added: “Since the conference we have had a large amount of investors making contact with us. With the market the way it is, people are looking to invest in a business which is not at the end of its lifecycle. They look at security and biometrics as a young, new industry and they like the idea that there are very few businesses doing what we are doing.”

UK Biometrics developed the world’s first fingerprint club membership system, installed the first fingerprint access system to a children’s nursery and was the first company to introduce biometric locks for a major housebuilder – Persimmon Homes.

Alongside business leaders and technology start-ups, the CONNECT North East conference was attended by representatives from the police who called on the region’s tech firms to play their part in the fight against crime.

Sean White, assistant chief constable of Cleveland Police, told delegates at the event that the authority was keen to meet with technology businesses.