£500k investment in Gateshead tech firm announced

A Gateshead technology specialist welcomes infrastructure investments to improve its internet connectivity services to more organisations across the region.

The development follows a £500k boost to upgrade the Advantex’s current capabilities, allowing clients to connect directly to its Follingsby Park head office and linked data centre in Newcastle using its own ultra-speed, fibre optic network.

The move aims to enable clients across the North East to access a range of cost effective dedicated cyber security, firewall and voice communication services that help them to improve their own online commercial operations and digital processes.

A number of clients including Gateshead composite door manufacturer Virtuoso and commercial property developer Northumberland Estates, are already plugged in to the service.

Extended reach allows regional manufacturing, industrial or service-based organisations and education establishments requiring better connectivity and lower network costs to take advantage of the latest in ultra-fast broadband capacity.

Advantex, estimates savings of up to 25 per cent can be achieved by organisations that take advantage when compared to installing their own connectivity.

Currently employing 50 people and targeting a £6m turnover this year, the firm is seeing growth on the back of new product and service introductions, investment in a highly skilled workforce and a strong pipeline of orders on the books for 2022.

Stephen O’Connell, sales and marketing director, said: “Customers who connect will enjoy all the benefits of economy of scale and low rental costs. We are already seeing considerable interest as we extend our capabilities wider in the face of demand for high performance connectivity solutions…”

At Virtuoso, Advantex has completed a digital services upgrade that provides faster and more reliable connectivity following the manufacturer’s expansion of production to larger premises.

Ian Butterfield, Advantex account manager, said: “Virtuoso is an important project for us and they are among a growing number of north east and national manufacturing clients who are switching on to our service to improve operations and drive-up their own business performance.”