ONLY two years after a pair of North-East entrepreneurs set up their high-tech business it is being hailed as one of the region’s brightest young companies with the opening of a modern laboratory creating jobs.

Viper RF founders Dr James Mayock and Dr Simon Chan had previously worked together at Filtronic Compound Semiconductors, in Newton Aycliffe, before going it alone to establish their Wearside-based company that specialises in making circuit boards and computer chips used in applications such as mobile phone and satellite communications.

Their bespoke design services are much in demand with the business now directing its attention to potentially lucrative growth markets in the US and the Far East, as well as developing business closer to home.

A £40,000 Grant for Business Investment from regional development agency (RDA) One North East has helped fund the latest stage of Viper RF’s growth – an engineering lab providing specialist, highfrequency testing and measurement services.

The firm has started the search for up to four highlyskilled, graduate engineers who will be employed in the new facility, which will enable the company to INCREASE its customers base and improve productivity.

Dr Chan hailed the support of One North East, saying: “It’s fair to say that we would not have been able to get where we are this quickly without its support. It will be interesting to see what funding mechanism comes in to replace RDAs like One North East when its is abolished because they have played an important role in high-tech start-ups such as Viper.”

Sunderland City Council, Business Link and UKTI have also provided the firm with vital support.

Ian Williams, One North East’s director of business and industry said: “Viper is a new company operating in high-growth markets. It is an exciting project of the type that One North East is keen to attract and encourage, developing cutting edge technology for the wireless communications industry, operating at the forefront of their field.

The project, if successful, will enable Viper to further expand and grow its markets, particularly overseas, where there is a huge demand for this service.

“The company’s commitment to continuous improvement with this investment into research and development will help them cement their reputation as one of the region’s brightest young companies.”