A Strategic Location for Defence and Security Innovation
Specialist laboratories, manufacturing space and a connected technology community supporting defence and security businesses from research and development through to UK-based production.
Defence and Security Technology at NETPark
At NETPark, you join companies developing technology for defence, security and space applications. Their work spans radio-frequency and millimetre-wave communications, radar, radiation and biological-threat detection, photonics, sensors, semiconductors, space surveillance, satellite communications and secure digital technology.
We provide specialist laboratories, offices and production space for science and technology companies at every stage of growth. You also benefit from connections to CPI, Durham University, national Catapult centres and the wider North East defence and security sector.
By bringing together UK-based research, specialist facilities, technical expertise and manufacturing space, we support the development of sovereign defence capability. At NETPark, you can develop, test and manufacture critical technologies in the UK, helping to strengthen resilient domestic supply chains and reduce reliance on overseas capability.
You join more than 40 science and technology businesses and over 1,000 people at NETPark, giving you opportunities to find research partners, specialist suppliers and complementary expertise in one location.
Defence and Security Technology Companies at NETPark
NETPark is home to established defence and security businesses, alongside companies developing technology for civil and military applications.
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Kromek develops radiation and biological-threat detection technology for defence, security and civil markets. Headquartered at NETPark, its equipment supports nuclear security, border protection, emergency response and protection against chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear hazards.
RED Scientific Reply is an independent consultancy specialising in operational analysis, data science, mathematical modelling, software development and digital engineering. Based at NETPark, the company helps defence, government and industry clients make informed decisions and develop safe, compliant and supportable systems. Its customers include Ministry of Defence organisations, other government departments and major defence contractors.
Raytheon UK specialises in space-domain awareness, space surveillance and orbital analysis. Its work helps satellite operators and governments understand activity in orbit and manage potential risks. The company has provided services to the UK Space Agency and worked with the Ministry of Defence on technology for testing future military satellite systems.
Filtronic designs and manufactures radio-frequency, microwave and millimetre-wave components for defence, space and telecommunications. Its NETPark operation develops technology used in radar, satellite communications and other high-frequency applications. Filtronic has supplied transmit-and-receive modules to Leonardo for use in Active Electronically Scanned Array radar technology.
aXenic designs and manufactures optical components for satellite and telecommunications systems. Its photonic technology can support secure, high-capacity communications and other applications where speed, reliability, size and weight are important.
Laboratories and Manufacturing Space for Defence Companies
Defence and security businesses need more than conventional commercial property. At NETPark, you can access UK-based laboratories, cleanrooms, secure working areas, specialist equipment and production facilities that support sovereign capability and keep the development and manufacture of critical technologies within the UK.
We provide the infrastructure you need to move from research and development through testing, scale-up and commercial manufacture in one location. This can help you retain knowledge, intellectual property and production capability in the UK while contributing to more secure and resilient defence supply chains.
Flexible space ranges from 151 sq ft incubator units for early-stage businesses to larger laboratories and grow-on space within Plexus, Explorer and Discovery. For companies moving towards commercial manufacturing, NETPark’s larger expansion space provides high-specification units of up to 35,700 sq ft, ready to be fitted out around the occupier’s requirements.
Defence Research, Innovation and Manufacturing at NETPark
CPI operates three national innovation centres at NETPark, covering printable electronics, healthcare photonics and formulations. You can access cleanrooms, pilot-scale facilities, characterisation equipment and technical expertise relevant to sensors, communications systems, electronics and advanced materials.
You can also connect with Durham University and two national Catapult centres, providing routes into specialist research, technical support and collaborative projects. Durham University’s defence and security expertise spans artificial intelligence, sensing and communications technologies, global policy and resilience research. It has also been recognised by the Ministry of Defence as a founding member of the UK Defence Universities Alliance.
Together, these facilities, partnerships and areas of expertise support you in developing sovereign capability and dual-use technologies with applications across defence, security, space, telecommunications and commercial markets.
Connected to the North East Defence and Security Cluster
From NETPark, you can connect with a defence and security cluster spanning County Durham, Tyneside, Northumberland, Sunderland, Tees Valley and North Yorkshire. The region brings together defence companies, specialist SMEs, universities, research organisations and government agencies.
The North East Regional Defence and Security Cluster (NERDSC) can help you apply your expertise to defence challenges, strengthen supply chains and identify routes into the sector. Backed by the Ministry of Defence through the Defence and Security Accelerator, NERDSC connects industry, academia and government.
Through workshops, insight days, capability showcases and networking events, the cluster can help you meet defence customers, understand procurement requirements, find commercial partners, access funding and showcase your technical expertise.
If you choose NETPark as your base, this network gives you routes into defence markets and access to research partners, specialist suppliers and related technologies.
Defence Skills and Supply Chains in North East England
At NETPark, you can draw on scientific, engineering, manufacturing and digital skills from across North East England. The region’s universities provide graduates, researchers and expertise in advanced engineering, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, data science, physics, advanced materials and space.
You can also access experienced suppliers and transferable skills through regional strengths in armoured vehicles, precision engineering, aerospace, automotive manufacturing, offshore technology and critical-infrastructure protection.
The North East is home to major defence and security organisations including William Cook, Airbus, Artic Wolf, Leonardo and Pearson Engineering, alongside a network of specialist manufacturers and technology businesses.
A Connected Location for Defence Businesses
From NETPark, you can access research, technical and manufacturing expertise across Durham, Newcastle and Teesside. By car, Durham is approximately 20 minutes away, Teesside 25 minutes and Newcastle 40 minutes. Our proximity to the A1(M) also makes travel to the rest of the UK straightforward.
You can reach Teesside International Airport in around 25 minutes and Newcastle International Airport in 45 minutes.
NETPark is around 20 minutes by car from two major railway stations, Darlington and Durham. Both are on the East Coast Main Line, connecting the region to London, Cambridge, Oxford and Scotland. You can reach London in under three hours from either station.
Our campus provides a landscaped working environment with green spaces and walking routes. Combined with County Durham’s housing, schools, countryside and lower cost of living, this can help you attract and retain the people needed for long-term growth.
Business Support for Defence and Security Companies
When you move to NETPark, our support continues. Delivered by Business Durham, our campus team takes the time to understand your plans and connect you with the right people and opportunities.
We can provide guidance on funding, skills and recruitment, future property requirements and growth planning, as well as introductions to universities, Catapults, sector networks, suppliers and potential collaborators. Regular events and direct introductions also help you get to know your neighbours and become part of the wider NETPark community. As your needs change, you have a local point of contact ready to provide practical help and make the right connections.
Locate Your Defence Technology Business at NETPark
Whether you are developing sensors, secure communications, advanced electronics, space systems or new materials, we provide the facilities and connections to take your technology from research towards commercial production. NETPark gives you a base to develop and manufacture critical technologies in the UK, strengthen domestic supply chains and contribute to the country’s sovereign defence capability.
Discover what NETPark could offer your business
To find out how your company would benefit from locating to NETPark please contact Sara Williams, on 01740 625 250 or email sara.williams@durham.gov.uk
