A growing North East cyber security company has announced it is expanding overseas with the launch of a new base in the Middle East.

Sedgefield-based Tekgem, which has its headquarters at NETPark, specialises in industrial cyber security and works with companies around the UK and abroad, including Mitsubishi Chemical, SABIC, Total, INEOS, E.On, Fujifilm & GSK. The tech company works with customers in the process industry, including petrochemical, oil, gas and utilities and assists its customers in protecting, detecting and responding to threats which have the potential to cause major accident hazards.

The firm’s software platforms Unity and Shield are designed to continuously monitor cyber risks and protect against the latest cyber threats. Meanwhile, its consultancy and engineering services work to ensure its customers, predominantly in the process industry and critical national infrastructure, are secured and operate safely.

Now Tekgem is hoping to answer increasing demand from customers in the UAE by setting up a permanent base in the region. The team is currently visiting sites for the main base across Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and will finalise a location in the next few weeks. Recruitment for staff will then follow.

Ian Gemski, founder and managing director at Tekgem, said the expansion of the firm’s global footprint marks a key moment for the company’s growth and further reinforces its position as a leading player in the cyber security space. He said the team has set up base in Dubai this month to get a feel for the UAE landscape, forging key relationships and collaborations whilst researching site space across Dubai and Abu Dhabi, ahead of showcasing Tekgem at Dubai’s GISec Global 2024 later this month.

He said: “Securing a company base in the UAE and forging a strong eco-system of support in the region marks the beginning of our global expansion plans and represents a key moment for the company as we establish a foothold and presence in the region. We see the UAE as a critical market for cyber security awareness, and our new global base will enable theleveraging of opportunities in the vibrant market to strengthen existing client relationships and build new partnerships.

“Exhibiting at GISec Global 2024 is a great platform for us to further raise awareness of Tekgem and the work we do in industrial cyber. Our services are quite niche, and with oil and gas being prominent industries, alongside the UAE’s commitment to investment in cyber security capabilities and initiatives it makes sound business sense to secure a base in the UAE where some of our current and future customers are.

“We are very excited to be on the ground in the UAE, cementing our global expansion plans in the market. We’ve had some great support from key partners including the Department of Business and Trade and Forward Foundry who have both been a key source of knowledge for the company. Entry into the UAE market will work in alignment with our further UK expansion plans as we continue to grow our team of 30 at our UK HQ, this move really does signal a pivotal stage for Tekgem’s elevated growth trajectory.”