Columnist

The value of nurturing homegrown innovation

I recently had the pleasure of visiting Transmission Dynamics’ manufacturing site in Cramlington.

The company is a strong example of how ambition, local support and smart investment turn great ideas into real businesses. 

What struck me most was how far the company has travelled: from an innovative regional start-up to a business now scaling artificial intelligence and industrial Internet of Things solutions from a new headquarters on Northumberland Business Park. 

That journey didn’t happen overnight. 

Business Northumberland, the business support service for Northumberland County Council, has been alongside Transmission Dynamics from early on, offering tailored advice, introductions to funding and investment networks and practical help to navigate growth challenges. 

Colleagues such as Gary Roe and the Business Northumberland team have been instrumental in matching local capabilities and support to the company’s needs.

The partnership is a strong example of how public sector business support catalyses private sector investment, growth and creates jobs.

Transmission Dynamics’ headquarters and innovation hub is more than bricks and mortar. 

Founder and chair Jarek Rosinski and the team have created an environment and capacity for research and development, providing space to attract skilled people to the North East, and act as a springboard for products such as the market-leading Trains with Brains® systems and other artificial intelligence-enabled rail and infrastructure solutions. 

These capabilities illustrate how advanced sensors, data and machine learning are being applied to solve real-world infrastructure challenges by improving resilience, safety and efficiency across networks.  

Looking ahead, the wider regional opportunity is huge. 

The North East’s new AI Growth Zone, including the QTS Data Centre Campus development in Cambois, near Blyth, and the wave of investment it unlocks, mean businesses in Northumberland can tap into national and international supply chains, specialised talent and major infrastructure projects. 

This strengthens our case as a location that not only welcomes investment but enables companies to scale globally from right here in the Northumberland. 

Our role at the council is to work with partners such as the North East Combined Authority, the Government, education providers and our industry neighbours to continue removing barriers to growth: from skills and land supply to planning and connectivity.

Transmission Dynamics shows what’s possible when local companies are supported to develop, grow and innovate their way to success. 

Northumberland is a land of great opportunities – it is a place for high-tech businesses to call home, where we can transform innovation into well-paid local jobs and support companies to reach their full potential.

I left Transmission Dynamics energised and optimistic. 

The combination of homegrown talent, practical business support and major regional artificial intelligence investment puts Northumberland in a strong position to lead the next wave of industrial digitalisation. 

It’s a journey. Join us, and we’ll support you every step of the way. 

Find out more at www.investnorthumberland.co.uk  

Sarah McMillan is director of economic development and growth at Northumberland County Council 

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