Investing in Defence and Security Innovation

OpenWorks, a leader in counter drone and air defence technology, has credited the Northumberland Small Business Service (NSBS) with playing a key role in accelerating its growth and strengthening its position as one of the UK’s most innovative defence technology companies.

After relocating to Prudhoe, OpenWorks has continued to grow rapidly. With assistance from the Northumberland Small Business Service, the company received two business growth grants which have been instrumental in enabling investment in people, equipment, and facilities.

The Northumberland Small Business Service (NSBS) is delivered by Northumberland County Council. The project is part funded by the North East Combined Authority and the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and the Rural England Prosperity Fund, with the North East Combined Authority as the lead authority

Founded in 2015 by five friends passionate about engineering excellence and the North East’s legacy in defence and security, OpenWorks develops advanced autonomous vision systems for the detection, identification, and tracking of highly dynamic airborne threats such as drones.

Its technologies combine high performance sensors, artificial intelligence, and sensor fusion to provide situational awareness for defence and security applications. The company also manufactures physical drone capture devices, further broadening its counter-drone capability.

“The grants we’ve received through the Northumberland Small Business Service have accelerated our growth significantly,” said a spokesperson for OpenWorks.

“They’ve allowed us to anticipate market demands, invest in our infrastructure, and strengthen our reputation as a reliable provider to defence and security.”

The funding has enabled OpenWorks to create two stories of temperature controlled workshops for assembly and testing, expand its office space to accommodate a growing workforce, and acquire advanced equipment, placing the company alongside major defence optical system suppliers in terms of in-house capability.

This investment has driven a remarkable period of expansion. Since January 2025, the company’s headcount has grown from 36 to 68 employees, with plans to recruit an additional 20 staff, including two apprentices, by the end of 2026. The company’s growth has already exceeded its job creation commitments under the grant programme and it is now exploring additional office and production space in Prudhoe to meet ongoing demand.

Looking ahead, OpenWorks is focused on continued R&D investment, particularly in AI and autonomy, as well as expansion into the maritime domain and further penetration of the US market.

“The support from the Northumberland Small Business Service has been incredible and has provided tangible results,” the company added. “The friendly and knowledgeable team has supported us throughout our journey, and as a result, we’ve been able to employ more local people and strengthen our roots in the region.”

Northumberland County Council Leader Glen Sanderson, who recently visited the site himself, said: “This is a highly advanced company carrying out cutting edge work in the Tyne Valley and it’s great to see its ongoing expansion and investment in its workforce.

“For a largely rural county we have an increasing reputation for attracting advanced manufacturing companies such as OpenWorks and we wish them every success for the future.”

Lucy Evermore, Programme Manager for NSBS said “It has been great working with OpenWorks, to see the growth and the positive impact it has had for the region is exactly why programmes like NSBS exist. I can’t wait to see what is next for the company.”

NSBS also offers assistance to micro-small sized businesses across Northumberland. The experienced team and its range of experts work directly with businesses and individuals to help them start, grow, diversify, and sustain their ventures through workshops, 1-2-1 support and networking events across the county.

This project is part-funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills.

If you have any questions about the event or the Northumberland Small Business Service, please visit Northumberland Small Business Service or contact the team at business@businessnorthumberland.co.uk or visit www.northumberlandsmallbusiness.co.uk