International engineering firm joins new North East co-working space

An international engineering and solutions company in the cybersecurity and space sectors is the first tenant at a new North East co-working space.

RHEA Group has opened a new office at the Satellite Applications Catapult CO-SPACE at NETPark in Sedgefield, County Durham, to join the region’s growing space sector.

The firm, which provides engineering solutions, system development and security services for the space sector, along with military, government, and critical infrastructures, has taken the space as part of its UK expansion.

John Bone, chief commercial officer of RHEA Group and Chair of the North East Satellite Applications Centre of Excellence, explained: “We already work closely with the country’s space industry and the UK Space Agency, including my own role as chair of the North East Satellite Applications Centre of Excellence.

“As the space sector expands in this region, we want to ensure RHEA is close by to maximise opportunities for collaboration. We also see potential in the area for a cyber-range, another area of specialisation within RHEA, which enables companies to prepare thoroughly for cyberattacks, including training their staff.

“RHEA Group is a growing business internationally and the UK, in particular the North East, offers significant potential for investment and growth.”

Sarah Slaven, interim managing director of Business Durham, commented: “We’re delighted to welcome RHEA GROUP to the new CO-SPACE.

“The company has been involved with the North East Satellite Applications Centre of Excellence at NETPark for several years and it’s fantastic to see them raise the profile of the North East within the wider space network, nationally and beyond.

“With more businesses in the UK choosing to relocate from the south and with the space sector growing rapidly here in the North East, we are looking forward to supporting and attracting more companies like RHEA Group to NETPark.”

Cllr Carl Marshall, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for economic regeneration, added: “It is fantastic to see the first tenant move into the CO-SPACE at NETPark.

“An expanding space sector here in the North East will provide some fantastic job opportunities for people in the region, particularly in County Durham, and help the county’s economy to grow further.

“The CO-SPACE offers an excellent working environment and provides companies with the opportunity to collaborate on their new satellite-based services and technologies. I’m sure RHEA Group will thrive here and we are looking forward to welcoming more organisations to NETPark to see those flourish too.”