A North Tyneside firm is eyeing new growth in 2022 after start-up Frontline Integrity Ltd secured a series of global contracts within the oil and gas sector, thanks to initial help from the North Tyneside Business Factory.
Frontline Integrity was launched in 2020 by Brian Kerrigan, an engineer and seasoned expert in the integrity management of onshore and subsea pipelines. Since launch, Frontline Integrity has expanded rapidly to work with pipeline operators across several continents, supporting them to manage their safety critical assets.
Based at Cobalt Business Exchange, on Cobalt Park, Brian and his team of engineers interrogate extensive quantities of data using their bespoke analysis tools and perform technical assessments to generate recommendations regarding immediate and future pipeline integrity assurance.
Although technical pipeline integrity consultation is the primary deliverable of Frontline Integrity, the team are also now looking at two further areas of growth. This includes bespoke assessment software to support pipeline safety with new tools and applications. It also means supporting customers to evaluate if natural gas pipeline infrastructure can be converted to transport ‘greener’ products such as hydrogen.
Brian Kerrigan, MD
Brian Kerrigan, MD of Frontline Integrity comments: “My main reason for setting up Frontline Integrity was to find a way to use my own extensive experience and build a team of experts in the field of pipeline integrity right here in North Tyneside. The North East has a long association with the oil and gas sector. In fact, the local area is a real skills hub for pipeline engineers thanks to the specialist qualifications in pipeline engineering via Newcastle and Northumbria University.
“Given my own background in technical consultancy, I’ve been able to utilise my relationships and reputation for delivering contracts throughout the world to put Frontline Integrity forward as a key supplier from day one. My global experience has really helped Frontline Integrity make the best start possible.”
Frontline Integrity operates as an independent which has been a key driver of the firm’s success. Without affiliation to any existing in-line inspection technology, the team can offer an unbiased opinion which appeals to many pipeline operators. Recently, the team were awarded both the New Business and overall Business of the Year Award at the 2021 North Tyneside Business Awards, organised by North Tyneside Business Forum
Brian continues: “We were delighted to be recognised by the Business Forum at the North Tyneside Business Awards for our hard work in getting Frontline Integrity to where it is today. We have so many goals for the business in the years ahead but initially, we are focused on expanding our technical engineering team.
“We were excited to host a delegation of Indian pipeline operators to the UK in May to see the North East of England for the first time and discuss hydrogen transportation alongside the UK leaders.
Brian worked with the North Tyneside Business Factory and his business advisor, Jeff Thompson, to initially set up and launch Frontline Integrity Ltd. The North Tyneside Business Factory is North Tyneside Council’s business support programme, supported by the European Regional Development Fund is delivered by TEDCO Business Support in the Borough. The Business Factory and its team of experienced advisors bring one-to-one support in the form of business planning and financial guidance to guide start-ups to a successful launch.
Jeff Thompson comments: “Brian is an individual with a huge wealth of experience and contacts in the oil and gas industry and his reputation has served him very well in the set-up of Frontline to be where it is today. His knowledge and expertise have brought Frontline to an enviable position after just two years of trading and the team look forward to supporting Brian in his business journey going forwards.”
Find out more about Frontline Integrity at their website.
For more information on the services available through the North Tyneside Business Factory, please contact (0191) 605 3110 or visit www.businessfactorynt.co.uk