In 2004, C2M (UK) Ltd came into being to support innovation from the grass roots in the North East of England. From its early beginning, C2M focused on supporting innovators, entrepreneurs across the region.

In 2006, after leaving his full time post, C2M took a new direction and drove toward growing in alignment with a regional focus. In 2006, the enquiries came thick and fast and C2M helped over 80 companies in that year alone. Enquiries were not only for design and tooling help but support in access to grants and funding available. The team at C2M quickly realised that this was a niche area mainly unsupported by design houses across the North East. Using contacts from previous contracts, C2M quickly built up a network of associate like minded organisations willing to support innovation.

In 2007, C2M moved into new facilities at Gear House in Gateshead and put plans in place to grow the support available to companies. Building on the foundations, Bala Gadde joined the team and quickly settled in to become a valuable member of the team. During this time the associates working with C2M on projects grew also to over 20 support organisations. C2M were awarded the InStep contract from CELS supporting health care projects in the North East.

In 2008, building on the base team, C2M expanded its operations by looking to grow its own interests in other sectors. Companies such as Innovention, Tappa Products, Ventura Power came into being, developing products of their own for the UK and wider markets. C2M were also awarded the MAS/NEPA support contract for two years to support the improvement of manufacturing in the region under the direction of PA Consulting.

In 2009, Gary Thompson received the prestigious 'Innovation Champion' award from One North East as recognition for his continued promotion of innovation and the region as a whole. 2009 also saw the team grow by three with the addition of Athanasios Katsevanis as a Project Engineer and Fred Cowler as a Project Manager. The team also added Ms Kirstie Parker as a P.A. to support behind the scenes and ensure the continuity remains

In 2010, plans are in place for new ventures and only time will tell the outcomes. One thing is for sure, the straightforward approach employed by C2M has ensured it still plays a major part of innovation in the North East of England.