Synthotech Group, a robotics and advanced engineering company based in Harrogate, has appointed Andy Vine as commercial director. The company is preparing for further growth in the UK and international utility markets, and Mr Vine takes up the role of Synthotech commercial director after a record year for the business.
Record trading year in 2025
Synthotech’s turnover rose by 33 per cent to £6.5m in 2025, and its profit doubled year on year. The company said the growth had come from sustained investment in research and development, with a number of its technologies now moving from development into operational deployment.
The company is expanding the commercial use of robotic technologies intended to help utility companies maintain ageing infrastructure. According to Synthotech, the technologies are designed to reduce disruption, cost and carbon emissions compared with conventional maintenance methods.
Role of the new Synthotech commercial director
Mr Vine has worked across the utility sector as a leader, account manager and project manager. He will lead the group’s commercial strategy, customer engagement and market development as demand grows across water, gas and telecommunications networks.
Mr Vine said: “I’m joining Synthotech at such an exciting stage in the company’s journey. The business has built a strong reputation for developing innovative technologies that solve real challenges for utility companies, helping them improve network performance while reducing disruption for customers and communities.
“What particularly attracted me to Synthotech was the strength of its innovation pipeline and the opportunity to help accelerate the commercial adoption of technologies that can transform the way critical infrastructure is maintained. The business has achieved impressive growth, and I look forward to working with the team to build on that success both in the UK and internationally.”
Trenchless drilling and robotic gas repairs
One of the technologies now moving into operational deployment is MicroBORE, a trenchless drilling system. Synthotech developed it in collaboration with BT Group and the University of Surrey. The system is being trialled as part of the UK’s fibre broadband rollout.
Synthotech has also developed a robotic gas service replacement system. It allows connections to be renewed from inside existing pipes, which avoids the need for extensive excavation.
Work with utilities and academic partners
Synthotech works with utility companies, infrastructure operators and academic partners to speed up the adoption of robotic inspection, maintenance and repair technologies. Its partners include the Pipebots team at the University of Sheffield.
Managing director on the next phase of growth
Mark Tindley, managing director of Synthotech Group, said: “Andy joins us at a pivotal time for the business. We have successfully transitioned a number of technologies from research and development to commercial deployment and are seeing growing demand from utility companies seeking more efficient ways to maintain and upgrade infrastructure.
“His experience across the utility sector, combined with his leadership and commercial expertise, will be invaluable as we continue to scale the business, strengthen customer relationships and expand into new markets. Andy’s appointment reflects our confidence in the opportunities ahead and our commitment to investing in the team needed to support the next phase of growth.”
Frequently asked questions
Who is the new commercial director of Synthotech?
Andy Vine has been appointed commercial director of Synthotech Group, the Harrogate-based robotics and advanced engineering company. He will lead its commercial strategy, customer engagement and market development.
How did Synthotech perform in 2025?
Synthotech had a record year in 2025. Its turnover increased by 33 per cent to £6.5m, and its profit doubled year on year.
What is MicroBORE?
MicroBORE is a trenchless drilling system that Synthotech developed in collaboration with BT Group and the University of Surrey. It is being trialled as part of the UK’s fibre broadband rollout.
How does Synthotech’s robotic gas service replacement system work?
The system allows gas connections to be renewed from inside existing pipes. This avoids the need for extensive excavation.
Which sectors does Synthotech serve?
Synthotech serves utility companies and infrastructure operators across water, gas and telecommunications networks. It also works with academic partners, including the Pipebots team at the University of Sheffield.
