BeyondMath Recognised Among Top 10 at Industrial AI Awards

Founded in 2022 by Alan Patterson and Darren Garvey, London-based BeyondMath has been named a Top 10 Finalist in the Industrial AI Awards for Startups—part of the AI with Purpose Summit, Europe’s premier event for industrial AI innovation. The recognition reflects the growing influence of their generative physics platform, which enables rapid, AI-driven design assessments without the need for physical prototypes. By leveraging real-world data and advanced simulations, BeyondMath helps deliver more accurate and efficient engineering solutions.

Backed by a team of experts from Google, Palantir, NASA, and leading academic institutions, the start-up blends machine learning, computational fluid dynamics, and high-performance computing to transform industrial engineering. The news follows a highly successful 2024 for the team with it being in August last year that the BeyondMath team raised $8.5 million in funding to scale its AI-first approach to simulating the physical world. The round was led by UP.Partners, with additional backing from Insight Partners, InMotion Ventures, Creator Fund, and other private investors.

Will they take home the award? Tune in to the AI with Purpose livestream on May 20 at 5:40 PM CEST to find out: Watch here.

Ekco Acquires Manchester-Based Cyber Consultancy Predatech to Bolster UK Security Offering

Ekco, a leading security-first managed service provider, has announced the acquisition of Predatech, a Manchester-based cyber security consultancy known for its expertise in penetration testing and assurance services. The move not only strengthens Ekco’s cyber capabilities in the UK but also establishes a new regional presence in the North-West, reinforcing its position as a trusted cyber security partner to businesses across the country.

Founded in 2020 by Jason Johnson and Michael Fotis, Predatech has built a strong track record, delivering CREST-accredited penetration testing, Cyber Essentials & Cyber Essentials Plus assessments, and ISO 27001 support. The firm has seen significant year-on-year growth, with over 90% of its 250+ clients returning for ongoing engagements.

The acquisition aligns with Eoin Blacklock and Jonathan Crowe led Ekco’s long-term strategy to enhance its security services by integrating advanced assessment and testing capabilities. Predatech will become a dedicated security unit within Ekco’s Managed Security Services Provider (MSSP) division, continuing to serve its existing clients while benefiting from access to Ekco’s broader technology stack and customer base.

Commenting on the acquisition, Jason Johnson, Co-Founder of Predatech, said:

“Joining forces with Ekco represents an exciting new chapter for Predatech. Our team has worked hard to build a reputation for delivering high-quality cyber security services, and with Ekco’s support, we can scale our capabilities even further.”

Lee Driver, VP of Managed Security Services at Ekco, added:

“Predatech’s expertise in penetration testing and compliance services is a perfect addition to Ekco’s MSSP offering. This acquisition not only strengthens our security capabilities but also gives us presence in Manchester and the North-West, an important hub for innovation and cyber security talent.”

The deal was advised by David Ball at Oaklins S&W, who noted:

“Ekco are perfectly placed to support the team as the business enters its next phase of growth and we look forward to seeing how the journey continues.”

The acquisition marks another strategic step in Ekco’s mission to deliver industry-leading security solutions, enhancing its portfolio at a time when businesses are facing increasingly complex cyber threats.

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Envoke raises £1m to transform lab training with virtual simulation tech 

Leeds-based HealthTech innovator Envoke has raised £1 million in fresh funding to scale its AI-powered simulation platform—used by labs worldwide to remotely train staff and reduce costly equipment downtime.

The round includes £500k from NPIF – Mercia Equity Finance and a matched £500k from Finance Yorkshire’s Seedcorn Fund.

Founded by Stuart Warrington in 2019, Envoke’s platform creates virtual models of lab equipment, allowing for realistic, on-demand training and support. It’s the only platform of its kind built specifically for medical devices, already trusted by major names like Bio-Rad, Terumo Group, Waters Corp, and the NHS.

Initially designed for product demos, the tech quickly evolved to meet a growing need for remote training and diagnostics—especially in healthcare where uptime and accuracy are everything.

🚀 With ARR nearly doubling in the past year, the new funding will help Envoke:

• Enhance its virtual training modules
• Grow its sales and marketing reach
• Create new roles ahead of a planned Series A

Stuart Warrington, CEO:

“Machine downtime is often caused by basic faults or lack of training. Our platform bridges that gap—empowering users, reducing costs, and keeping critical equipment online.”

Dawn Tyers, Mercia:

“This is game-changing tech for the healthcare industry. Envoke’s growth so far speaks volumes—we’re proud to continue backing their journey.”

Alex McWhirter, Finance Yorkshire:

“This is a fantastic example of Yorkshire’s strength in AI and HealthTech—we’re excited to support Envoke as they scale.”

Envoke currently employs 11 people, with plans to expand the team in the months ahead.

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PeopleCloud Platform Surpasses 2,000-User Milestone

Manchester-based HR and health and safety tech provider Avensure has announced that its PeopleCloud platform is now used by over 2,000 companies, supporting more than 40,000 employees across organisations including NHS 111, Vodafone, RSPCA, and Age UK.

Designed specifically for small businesses with compact teams, Avensure PeopleCloud offers an affordable, easy-to-use HR solution. The platform enables businesses to manage employee files, oversee onboarding and offboarding processes, track time and attendance, and even approve or reject new job applications—all within a single system.

Backed by more than £1 million in development investment, the platform recently introduced a rota function to expand its feature set. A 16-strong team now works on PeopleCloud, with further enhancements planned based on user feedback. The platform is managed and directed by Chris Garner, who emphasises its growing popularity among SMEs looking to streamline compliance and focus on strategic priorities.

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Northern Tech Scale-Ups Take the Spotlight in 2025

A fresh wave of dynamic, high-growth tech companies is making serious headway across the North, and this week saw some of the most exciting names formally recognised.

Prolific North has unveiled its Tech Companies to Watch: New Scale-Up Edition for 2025, spotlighting the most promising emerging tech businesses across the North of England and Scotland. The exclusive list—sponsored by Beyond Echo PR—was revealed live on stage at the Digital Leaders Summit, part of this year’s Digital City Festival, held at Bruntwood SciTech’s No.1 Circle Square in Manchester.

More than 200 digital leaders, founders, and investors gathered to hear from some of the region’s brightest minds and celebrate the message resonating throughout the event: The North is rising.

Alexandra Balzas, Managing Director of Prolific North, commented:

“This year’s list is all about momentum. It captures the incredible pace of innovation driving the North forward. The depth of talent and ambition across the region is remarkable, and we’re proud to shine a light on the brilliant businesses making it happen.”

The unranked list highlights companies demonstrating real-world growth, innovative business models, and significant market traction. Here are three scale-ups to watch:

• HyperFinity (Leeds) — A decision intelligence firm founded by Thomas Hill, Damon Bryan, Adam Barrowcliff & Peter Denby that helps major retailers like Costa Coffee and Morrisons make smarter, data-driven choices through AI-powered software and consultancy.
• Summize (Manchester) — A contract lifecycle management platform founded by Tom Dunlop that is known for integrating AI tools into everyday workflows, working with clients such as Revolut and Simon & Schuster.
• Fuuse (Lancaster) — An EV charge point platform with Will Maden and Michael Gibson at the helm that serves over 750 clients, including British Airways and Siemens, leading innovation in EV infrastructure software with plans for international expansion.

To explore the full list of Northern tech scale-ups driving innovation in 2025, visit Prolific North’s website.

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