SOUTH Tyneside-based Asset55 has made eight new appointments in a reaction to a world that is shifting increasingly to digital in light of the coronavirus.

SaaS technology company Asset55 is defying the global climate by taking on new staff including three engineers, four software developers and a business development manager to cope with demand for its oil and gas solutions.

Having recently moved into bigger offices at The Beam on the former Vaux site in Sunderland, the entire team have now found themselves working from home.

Duncan Brown, a director at global oil and gas technology company, Asset55, explained: “The vast majority of our clients are outside of the UK, which means that Asset55 can be located anywhere. We are well used to using technology to work remotely with clients round the world and put home-working measures in place as part of our business continuity plans in January, after seeing the effects of coronavirus on China.

“Given the current industry challenges in the oil and gas sector and now Covid-19, it’s even more important that we support our customers with our skills and experience and our continuous focus on cost and safety efficiencies.

“Operators will be looking to make up time that will be lost due to oil and gas project delays going forward, therefore we need extra people on board to help them through these challenging times.

“We are delighted to welcome our eight new people on board and are really looking forward to working with them to solve safety, integrity, schedule and cost challenges offshore through our software and consultancy-led services.”

Asset55 has been a key player in the oil and gas technology and services market for eight years.

Owned by North East entrepreneur and CEO, David Frame and chairman Mike Rudd, the business is supported by in-house engineering consultants who understand the needs of the sector and act as a “knowledge core”.