An engineering firm in Prudhoe has been awarded a grant of over £80k to build a manufacturing and research facility.

Award-winning OpenWorks Engineering will use the funds to support their ambitious growth plans.

Founded in 2015, it now stands as a global leader in defence and security technology.

Currently, the company boasts over 18 full-time staff members and shows no signs of growth slowing down.

The company came across the Northumberland Small Business Service (NSBS) through a Google search and quickly registered to learn more about their benefits.

The NSBS is delivered by Advance Northumberland on behalf of Northumberland County Council.

The service is co-funded by the North East Combined Authority Investment Fund, the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and the Rural England Prosperity Fund.

(Image: Openworks)

In November 2023, OpenWorks applied for the NSBS capital grant and promptly hired three new full-time staff members.

The grant will allow them to construct a cutting-edge research and manufacturing facility.

The company commended NSBS for their support during the application process.

An OpenWorks representative said: "The team have been extremely supportive, and readily available to answer any queries we have had regarding grants or support for small businesses.

"It has been a brilliant experience from start to finish."

Liz Nelson, interim programme manager for the Northumberland Small Business Service Team, echoed the sentiments.

She added: "It is great to see another local project being boosted by the capital grant funding.

"We are excited to hear more about OpenWorks and their growth journey, it has been a privilege to work with them."

The company further noted that the grant would allow them to enhance their product range and development capabilities.

The new facility is due to open in early spring 2024.

The £2 million rural Capital Grant Investment Fund is available to eligible rural businesses sporting clear growth plans.

The fund facilitates businesses looking to expand their output capacity or diversify into new markets or products.

To find additional information about the Northumberland Small Business Service, you can visit their official website or reach out to them via email.