A Norfolk-based audio-video specialist is eyeing fresh growth opportunities in the science and medical sectors after unveiling major plans to build a £1.5m headquarters.

Snelling Business Systems has started work on a new purpose-built hub near Wymondham to cope with its year-on-year growth sparked by increased demand for its auditorium presentation equipment from universities across the UK.

It comes after the firm saw its turnover grow from £2,516,057 to £3,971,126 last year – while its pre-tax profit surged by more than £89,000, from £11,771 to £101,620 over the same period.

And the firm is looking to maintain this momentum in the coming months by employing five new staff and targeting new revenue streams in corporate business, science and the medical sectors.

Toby Wise, managing director, said the headquarters on the Wymondham Business Park will place the firm closer to the A11, giving its workforce improved access to its new office in London, as well as helping staff to make a smooth transition from its current base in Blofield Heath near Norwich.

He said: 'When we initially founded Snelling Business Systems in 2001, we operated out of the Snelling Group's premises in Blofield Heath, to the east of Norwich, where we have been based ever since.

'However, as the company has continued to grow, our premises, by contrast, seem to have shrunk, as our boardrooms, one by one, have been given over to workshops, office space and storage.

'In addition, as our reputation has spread and we have been awarded contracts further and further afield, in particular across the south of the country, we have recognised an increasing requirement for headquarters closer to the A11.

'This has been exacerbated by the opening of our London satellite office in November last year.

'We have therefore been looking for premises for some time, but when this particular site became available, we recognized its multiple advantages, not least the opportunity to build a purpose-built facility, which will perfectly suit the needs of the business.'

Snelling Business Systems is part of the Snelling Group – a Norfolk radio and television retailer founded in 1954.

The company, which employs 27 people, said its turnover had been boosted in recent years by its membership of the Southern Universities Purchasing Consortium (SUPC), which has allowed the firm to sell its products to dozens of universities and colleges throughout Southern England – including the University of East Anglia.

The project, to be finished by November this year, will see the firm moving to a 15,000sq ft premises consisting of a large loading bay, a product demonstration and witness testing area and large open-plan offices.

Mr Wise added: 'The SUPC has been instrumental to the growth of the business, while opening up the London office in Uxbridge will offer further growth.

'The vision for the year ahead is to expand the business and broaden into corporate business, scientific and medical areas.'