PervasID Expands to North East: Revolutionising RFID from a New Base at NETPark

PervasID, a trailblazer in RFID technology, has expanded its footprint by establishing a second base at North East Technology Park (NETPark). We spoke to Peter Oram, who detailed the company's journey, its strategic choice to open at NETPark, and ambitious plans for future growth.

An RFID Innovation Journey from Cambridge to the North East

PervasID’s story begins at Cambridge University, where its technology emerged from academic research into a commercial venture. Founded on the expertise of chief innovator Dr. Sabesan Sithamparanathan, the company has grown into a trusted name in RFID technology, with clients including Stanley Black & Decker, NHS hospitals, and a growing list of major retailers. While RFID technology has existed since WWII, it has only recently become precise and affordable enough to be practical for large-scale commercial use.

Peter, who joined PervasID about 14 months ago, was tasked with taking the company’s technology to new heights. Under his leadership, PervasID has evolved from a project-focused company to one with a vision for scalable commercial growth, particularly in the retail sector.

Breaking Barriers in RFID with ‘Dead Spot’ Technology

RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology is revolutionising how companies track and manage assets. Using electromagnetic fields, RFID allows objects to be tagged and identified automatically through small chips and antennas that communicate with RFID readers. Unlike barcodes, which require line-of-sight scanning, RFID tags transmit data over distances—even through barriers—enabling seamless, real-time tracking.

This technology has broad applications across multiple sectors. In retail, RFID enhances inventory management by providing live stock tracking, which eliminates the need for manual checks and streamlines restocking. In healthcare, it helps monitor medical equipment, track patient movements, and ensure accurate medication administration, improving both safety and efficiency. The technology is equally transformative in supply chains, where it enables precise monitoring of assets and shipments, as well as in aerospace and manufacturing, where it secures and tracks high-value tools. By offering real-time data insights and reducing the chance of human error, RFID is helping industries drive efficiency, security, and accuracy to new levels.

PervasID's technology addresses a critical issue in earlier RFID systems: ‘dead spots’ where tracking accuracy falls significantly. “PervasID innovation solves the dead spot issue using patented advanced signal processing techniques” Peter explains, This breakthrough has propelled PervasID beyond what typical RFID providers, especially in sectors where accuracy is essential, like aerospace and healthcare.

Their newest product, Trackmaster, advances RFID functionality further by delivering real-time data combined with location capability and extending read ranges —a sharp contrast to the usual few metres achieved by standard systems. This enhanced range and location data allow PervasID’s clients to make faster, more informed decisions about inventory and asset management.

Retail Focus and Expanding Horizons

With a solid foothold in industrial and healthcare sectors, PervasID is now setting its sights on retail. Retailers often rely on weekly stock counts or manual RFID scans to manage inventory. Peter describes how Trackmaster is changing this paradigm: “With our system, they get instant, live updates on stock levels, eliminating the need for repetitive barcode scans or manual checks and allowing retailers to monitor stock with precision and speed.”

By removing the need for manual inventory processes, PervasID’s technology enables retailers to optimise stock levels, reduce losses, and ultimately improve customer experiences. Peter envisions a future where Trackmaster and similar innovations support a more efficient, sustainable retail environment.

Why Open a Second Base in the North East?

PervasID’s decision to expand operations by opening a second site at NETPark is rooted in both strategic and personal motivations. “Being from the North, I feel a strong commitment to this region, which has so much to offer in terms of skilled talent and business support,” Peter shares: “For PervasID, NETPark offers a technology-rich environment and access to a skilled workforce in an industrially robust landscape. Furthermore, the supportive ecosystem provided by Business Durham made the North East a natural choice.”

Finance Durham: Fuelling Growth and Future Plans

In November 2024, PervasID secured a significant boost to its expansion and innovation plans with a £750,000 investment from Maven Capital Partners. This funding forms part of a £3.25 million investment round led by Parkwalk Advisors, a prominent EIS investor. Maven’s contribution includes £375,000 from the Finance Durham Fund, established by Durham County Council and managed by Business Durham, and a further £375,000 from NPIF II Maven Equity Finance, part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIF II), supported by the British Business Bank.

This investment underscores the commitment of regional funds to fostering technological innovation and supporting high-growth businesses in the North East and will play a crucial role in supporting PervasID’s expansion and product development efforts. The funding will enable Peter to build a local team focused on growth in the retail market and software development. This team will enhance PervasID’s scale up strategy and produce sustainable, long-term employment opportunities in the North East.

PervasID's expansion into the North East is also a move to diversify its talent pool by attracting experienced industry professionals with backgrounds in industrial software environments, “We’re looking for software professionals who’ve retrained, people who know what it’s like to work in a scale up environment and are comfortable in an industrial sector,” says Peter. He believes the North East’s workforce offers stability and loyalty which PervasID is looking to leverage.

Looking Ahead: A Vision for Growth and Innovation

With plans to further develop its technology suite and expand market reach, PervasID is poised for continued growth. “In the next few years, our priority is to establish PervasID as a market leader in retail and to enhance our technology to open up new uses.” Peter explains. The company’s ambition goes beyond profit—Peter is passionate about showcasing the North East’s potential as a technology powerhouse and fostering a culture of innovation in the region.

PervasID’s Growth Signals a Bright Future for North East Innovation

Peter’s story highlights a promising shift for the North East—a movement towards technology, innovation, and the kind of sustainable economic growth that can transform communities. With companies like PervasID at the forefront, backed by local talent and supportive regional ecosystems, the future of the North East’s tech sector looks bright.

As PervasID scales new heights from its new base at NETPark, its journey serves as a testament to the power of collaboration, vision, and the potential of the North East as a hub for technology and innovation.