Knaresborough company invests �800k in new tech

NM Group, a provider of remote sensing and asset management services to major electricity network organisations around the world, has invested in new technology as part of its ambitious growth plans.

The company, based in Knaresborough, North Yorkshire, has purchased an £800,000 aerial scanning system. This was part funded through a £66,000 grant from the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership (LEP).

This equipment uses special sensors and is attached to aircraft to enable scanning of large areas of topography for use by electricity network companies.

David Langworth, chairman of NM Group explained that this investment will lead to further job creation at its Knaresborough base as it serves its operations in the UK and overseas.

Mr Langworth said: “This investment has strengthened the business to the extent that we’re now able to create 20 new jobs at our Knaresborough headquarters. We already have offices in the USA, Canada, Australia and Oman and we believe we will be able to strengthen these markets as well as look at new export opportunities in other countries. We’re proud of our diverse and international workforce and we do not see that changing in a post-Brexit world.”

At NM Group’s Knaresborough office, 70 people are employed from all over the world including Eastern Europe, Africa and India, to service the company’s international footprint. The business also runs a successful apprenticeship programme focusing on individuals with skills in IT and geospatial sciences.

Mr Langworth said NM Group was thankful to the LEP for its ongoing support.

“As a growing international business benefiting the regional economy with our headquarters in the Leeds City Region, it has been great to receive the LEP’s grant and we are appreciative of the help we have received from Harrogate’s SME Growth Manager, Alistair Forbes, throughout this process.

“NM Group is also pleased to be supporting the LEP’s #LetsTalkRealBusiness campaign which is led by what business owners say they want; straightforward no-nonsense support and advice about the issues relevant to them.”

Councillor Graham Swift, Harrogate Borough Council Cabinet Member for Resources, Enterprise and Economic Development, said: “NM Group is a fantastic business and a great example of a local company not only boosting the regional economy but also making a positive and significant contribution on a global stage.

“The investment in this new technology and the subsequent creation of jobs represents significant growth in a priority sector company in North Yorkshire.”

Roger Marsh OBE, Chair of the LEP said:

“If you run a growing business and are interested in breaking into overseas markets, please get in touch with our LEP Growth Service team who will be able to talk you through all the support available.”