International engineering consultancy Penspen has opened a new office in Newcastle’s Time Central facility as it plans further growth in the European asset integrity market.
The new office is home to more than 30 integrity engineers, materials and corrosion consultants, and technical specialists who are responsible for supporting a range of UK and European gas network operators including Gas Networks Ireland, Trans-Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline (TANAP), and National Gas.
The new facility will also host Penspen’s industry-recognised training courses, covering pipeline legislation awareness, pipeline defect assessment, and energy transition sessions focused on hydrogen and carbon capture.
The move follows a record year for Penspen, with over $500m in sales in 2025. Its Europe asset integrity team has welcomed several new leadership appointments over the last 18 months, including Chris Wood, Director of Asset Integrity (Europe), Andrew Wynne, Integrity Manager, and Dominic Wynne, Regional Business Development Manager – Europe.
'I think this new space is a clear signal of our intent – Penspen are committed to growing our services and team in the north-east, with asset integrity at the heart of that strategy,' said Mr Wood.
'This larger, modern space will allow us to better integrate our teams, strengthen our asset integrity operations, and continue to deliver our high level of customer service in the future.'
Penspen has over 70 years’ experience in engineering, project management, asset integrity, and asset management services, with a growing track record in energy transition projects across the UK and Europe.
He added: 'As an independent consultancy, we’re well placed to support customers across the UK and Europe with integrity services for major energy infrastructure projects that secure existing supply and also support the transition to future fuels. We have an ambitious growth strategy that will see us continue to build upon this legacy and our Newcastle team will play an important part in that journey.'
Celebrating Two Decades in the North-East
Present in Newcastle for two decades, Penspen were originally based in St Peter’s Basin, following the acquisition of Andrew Palmer Associates in 2007.
The North-East’s role as a centre of excellence for asset integrity is a key driver for Penspen’s investment in the area.
'Newcastle is rightly recognised as a hub for pipeline integrity management, and Penspen’s name is synonymous with deep technical expertise and first-of-a-kind projects,' added Mr Wood.
'We have long-term relationships with the local universities in the area, and we are proud to run a successful graduate training program to ensure we’re developing the next generation of engineers in the region.
'The North-East is a strategic hub for our future growth, and I look forward to welcoming visitors to our new facility.'
Source: Penspen
