We’re here to support all investors in Tyne and Wear

Mar 12 2008 By The Journal

BUSINESSES looking to expand and invest in Tyne and Wear have a principal point of contact for assistance and advice. Tyne and Wear Development Company has been the major facilitator for inward investment in the region for more than 20 years.

It has developed a reputation for success based on the high quality expertise and practical assistance it can offer prospective investors across a range of activities. These include sourcing development sites, provision of premises and advice on matters such as financial assistance, labour costs and availability and the sourcing of services and professional support.

As the direct point of contact for potential inward investors the company has the expertise, contacts and resources to provide a comprehensive support service to any company with a mobile investment project. It also provides immediate access to other key players in the region; these may include the economic development teams at the five local authorities, One NorthEast, the Learning & Skills Council, Small Business Service, Department of Trade and Industry, developers and property owners.

Paul Buie of Tyne and Wear Development Company said: “We’re here to support all investors – whether it’s helping them to find a new property, providing guidance or putting them in touch with people who can provide financial and other forms of support.”

GREEN GROWTH FOR TECHNOLOGY START UP

A GROWING green technology firm has invested in new premises as it prepares for expansion. Nanoporous Solutions Limited (n-psl), headed by ex-Domnick Hunter CEO Colin Billiett, has moved to a new 18,000sqft facility at Team Valley as it looks to double the size of its workforce in the next 12 months.

The firm, which manufactures environmentally friendly filtration products, was assisted in its expansion by Tyne and Wear Development Company, the region’s leading business development agency.

The move will help n-psl continue the development and commercialisation of its innovative filtration technology, which has the potential to cut manufacturers’ carbon footprints by halving energy consumption.

n-psl expects to grow its workforce to 20 as it scales up trials of the system, which uses a new regenerative absorbent filter, in preparation for worldwide sale. Besides the filtration industry, the technology also has applications in other sectors including health, pharmaceutical, environmental and food industries.

Colin said: “Our technology will revolutionise industrial filtration techniques. By lowering energy consumption, it could save around four million tonnes of CO2 by 2050.Investing in new premises is a big step towards commercialisation and gives us space for growth. Input from Tyne and Wear Development Company was vital in getting the investment off the ground.”

Tyne and Wear Development Company supported n-psl throughout its investment, advising on property opportunities; sources of funding and other key business services.

Jim Malloy at Tyne and Wear Development Company, said: “This is a company with an exciting future. The technology is unique and the team have a tremendous knowledge of their markets. Technology companies are a key component of the regional economy and we’re happy to have contributed to n-psl’s future.”

CBL ON THE MOVE

TYNE and Wear Development Company helped North Tyneside firm CBL find new premises earlier this year when it was looking to expand. The Canadian-owned firm moved to Orion Business Park on the Tyne Tunnel Trading Estate after six years at another base in North Tyneside.

Having outgrown its previous base at the Centre for Advanced Industries, CBL approached Tyne and Wear Development Company to help it identify a bigger site close by. As the region’s leading business development agency, it was able to use its extensive contact list and dedicated property search facility to identify the best site within a short time.

CBL’s general manager Frank Priest explained: “We’re hugely appreciative of the support we had from Tyne and Wear Development Company. As soon as we contacted them they immediately put the wheels in motion to help us find a new base.

“We’d reached a point where we’d simply outgrown our old office space. Our new premises give us the room we need to grow and the facilities to do it.”

Deborah Fletcher from Tyne and Wear Development Company said: “We’re here to assist all businesses on all matters relating to investment. Whether it’s expansion, relocation, reinvestment or a first office, we can help to make things easier.”