Two major moves are underlining the North East’s reputation as the top target for companies with game-changing tech products.

In County Durham, the UK’s largest supplier of heat pumps has responded to the ever-growing demand for renewable energy solutions by opening a new head office and warehouse.

Go Geothermal Ltd has been able to increase its product range - including air and ground source heat pumps, biomass, underfloor heating and solar technologies - following the opening of the new premises in Newton Aycliffe.

This has enabled the company, which was established in 2006, to double the size of its previous premises in the town, and the new warehouse in particular provides it with the ability to increase its stock holding by three and half times – equating to £1.6 million worth of renewable energy products, with space to grow to £5 million.

Sean Sowden, Director of Go Geothermal, said: “With interest and demand in renewable energy products growing very quickly, largely due to Government net zero targets, it was important for us to expand our office and warehouse.

“We continually look for innovative and market leading products which is the cornerstone of our business, and the new office/warehouse will enable us to increase this even further.”

In addition to the warehouse and offices for staff, the new premises will also house one of Go Geothermal’s national heat pump training centres.

Over in Sunderland, Apexon, a digital-first technology services company, has opened a new facility to help it meet growing demand.

Apexon, which specialises in delivering technology services that accelerate business transformation, will base its UK headquarters in the city centre’s rapidly transforming Riverside Sunderland area.

The timing follows a recent announcement from the UK government demonstrating near-record levels of funding in the UK tech sector, which is home to the greatest number of high-growth companies in Europe.

The new 5,700 sq ft facility located at The Beam supports Apexon’s plan to continue investing in the UK and Europe over the coming years.

“We are really excited to expand our presence in the UK, a vibrant technology hub at the forefront of global digital evolution,” said MD Rob Gwyther.

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“We look forward to partnering with organisations as their technology partner of choice to help them navigate their digital transformation journeys.

“Our Sunderland headquarters will help us gain access to the best and brightest digital engineering and technology talent in the region and we reaffirm our commitment to creating a robust, inclusive culture that will help our employees grow and thrive.”

Patrick Melia, chief executive of Sunderland City Council, said: “Apexon’s expansion into its new office space demonstrates the growth and development opportunities that digital services offer in Sunderland.”