Newcastle surveying firm make 3D laser technology investment

A Newcastle-based surveying firm have secured £75,000 funding to invest in 3D laser scanning technology.

Family-run Digital Surveys Ltd specialise in survey and measurement and is now exploring the possibility of establishing an office in Houston, Texas.

A £35,000 loan and further £75,000 funding from NatWest has been used to acquire the technology that is the first of its kind in the UK.

The funding was secured with the help of Rob Utton, relationship manager at NatWest’s Darlington branch.

Ben Bennett, chief technology officer at the firm, said: “Rob Utton at NatWest was great and has helped us substantially with our cash flow which due to the recession had been difficult to say the least. We are very grateful to NatWest for providing the funding to ensure that we are more hi tech and one step ahead of our competitors.

“The funding has also helped us get our accounts in order and we’re in a better position to expand. As well as allowing us to purchase scanning equipment, the funding has helped us to completely rebrand ourselves. Working in a traditional sector, it’s vital for us to have a professional corporate image.

“Our advice to other firms in the same position is to keep plugging away and push for funding – it is there.”

Rob Utton added: “It’s been an inspiration to work with Digital Surveys Ltd who have adapted and worked hard to move with the times to ensure the continued success of their business. It just goes to show that there is always a future for family-run businesses that keep an eye on the market and use the latest technology to stay relevant.”

Digital Surveys Ltd was set up in 1988 by Peter Bennett as a traditional surveying business providing services to construction and architectural firms.

The company is now in the hands of his son Ben, who saw an opportunity to modernise the firm and move in a different direction.

With an IT background and a degree in computing, Ben has found his services in demand in new markets such as the petrochemical, built environment and renewable sectors.

This has required Digital Surveys to create a new base in Aberdeen to complement its headquarters in Newcastle and satellite office in London.