Well-established digital security firm Duoguard has a new management team - and is investing in the future.

Backed by a five-figure loan from Tata Steel subsidiary UK Steel Enterprise, the Ebbw Vale-based firm is looking to grow, and take on engineering apprentices.

The firm offers bespoke solutions to digital security for businesses, and increasingly, private homes using the latest technologies.

The business is now run by Owain Jones and Jason Care, both experienced engineers and keen to deploy the latest innovations to solve security issues.

Owain is a former RAF electronics engineer, and Jason is the son of the firm’s founder, Ron Care.

The future, they say, is bright for the business.

Owain said: “Security is becoming more complex and sophisticated all the time. At the same time, the cost of technologies is getting lower and this means people have more options.

“The important thing is to find the right solution for each situation.”

Duoguard is looking to build on the company’s outstanding pedigree. Ron Care, who set up the company in 1995, is a keen inventor and innovator, and credited with developing one of the first wireless security systems in the UK. He also saw the potential for digital security in the home, which until then was mainly used in commercial premises.

Ron, a former BT engineer, is now a consultant with Duoguard.

Jason said: “He is a technical pioneer, and set the business on its course, and now we are aiming to expand and grow into new areas.”

The firm is based in Ebbw Vale and looks after clients all around the UK. Jobs range from large commercial premises to households.

“CCTV and other systems are coming down in price and making them more affordable to people,” said Owain.

“More sophisticated functions, such as number plate recognition are more popular these days.”

Duoguard is now aiming to recruit two engineers, as well as two apprentices in the longer term.

"We are pleased that UK Steel Enterprise has supported the company with this loan, which will help our plans to expand,” said Owain.

Martin Palmer, of UK Steel Enterprise, said: "We are delighted to support Duoguard with this investment and hope to see the firm grow. This demonstrates that technical and engineering skills are alive in South Wales.

“It is also encouraging to see that they plan to take on engineers, and in the longer term, apprentices. We wish them every success.”