Why science businesses are choosing to grow in Durham

In the North East, companies are proving that they can develop, manufacture and commercialise world-leading technologies while remaining firmly rooted in the region.

At the North East Technology Park (NETPark) in County Durham, businesses are demonstrating that it is possible to start, scale and commercialise cutting-edge technologies from a single location.

The latest example is advanced materials company SEEDS, which has announced a major expansion as it prepares to move from research and development into commercial-scale production.

The company, which develops engineered graphene technologies for applications in sectors including microelectronics, aerospace, energy storage and advanced manufacturing, is taking on a new dedicated facility as part of NETPark’s £100 million expansion programme.

For founder and chief executive Jason Chehal, the move represents far more than simply acquiring additional space.

“This expansion marks a defining moment for SEEDS, as we move from research excellence into full commercial deployment,” he says.

“Over the past decade, we’ve developed a way to engineer graphene not just as a material, but as a platform technology that can be tuned to solve real-world industrial challenges at scale.”

Jason Chehal, SEEDS (Image: NETPark)

The expansion will increase production capacity and support new industrial partnerships, marking another milestone in the company’s growth journey in Durham.

SEEDS is not alone.

Over the past two decades, NETPark has developed into one of the UK’s leading science and technology campuses. Today, the site is home to more than 40 science and technology companies employing over 1,000 people and working across sectors including advanced materials, semiconductors, photonics, life sciences, defence and space technologies.

Crucially, many of those companies have been able to remain on site as they have grown, retaining valuable expertise, highly skilled jobs and specialist knowledge within the region.

One of the most prominent examples is Filtronic. The telecommunications and aerospace technology company has grown from its NETPark base to become a globally recognised specialist in high-performance radio frequency systems, securing contracts with major international organisations including SpaceX and Airbus.

Similarly, radiation detection specialist Kromek have grown from its origins as a Durham University spin-out into an international technology business, supplying advanced detection systems used in healthcare, security and nuclear industries worldwide, while continuing to expand from its Durham base.

More recently, companies such as aXenic have demonstrated how emerging businesses can also benefit from the ecosystem that has developed around the park. The optical communications specialist is developing advanced modulator technologies for space, aerospace and defence sectors, positioning itself within rapidly growing international markets while remaining firmly rooted in the North East.

Together, these businesses highlight an important trend — companies are increasingly choosing locations that can support both innovation and commercial growth.

NETPark’s recent expansion has increased the site’s capacity by around 285,000 sq ft of specialist laboratory and advanced manufacturing space, creating opportunities for businesses that have outgrown their existing facilities but do not want to leave the region.

Space is only part of the attraction. Long-standing partnerships with Durham University and the Centre for Process Innovation (CPI) give companies access to research expertise, specialist facilities and commercialisation support.

SEEDS has benefited directly from that approach, working with CPI to refine manufacturing processes and develop pathways to commercial production. Its partnership with Japanese industrial giant Mitsui is now helping accelerate access to international markets.

The result is an environment where businesses can access the support they need to move from research and development to commercial success.

Chris Pape, Property Director at Business Durham, believes that is one of the park’s greatest strengths.

“There is something incredibly satisfying about seeing a company grow from an ambitious idea into a business with global potential, and then knowing that journey has happened here in County Durham.

“SEEDS joins a growing list of companies that have chosen to scale at NETPark. That tells us we’re creating the right environment for innovation, but it also means the jobs, expertise and opportunities created by that success stay in the region.” Says Chris Pape.

When companies scale locally, they retain skilled jobs, specialist expertise and supply chain opportunities in the North East, strengthening the region’s reputation and helping attract future investment.

As more businesses follow the path established by these companies Durham is demonstrating that innovation does not need to migrate elsewhere once a company is ready to grow.

Instead, businesses are proving that world-leading technologies can be developed, manufactured and commercialised from the North East, creating jobs, attracting investment and building internationally competitive industries along the way.

For SEEDS, the next chapter will focus on taking its engineered graphene technology to global markets. For Durham, it is another sign that the region is becoming an increasingly important location for companies looking not only to innovate, but to scale.

Find out more:

northeasttechnologypark.com