SPECIALIST IT firm Exa Networks is looking to double turnover within two years after relocating to a significantly larger base near Bradford city centre.

The company, which leases its current premises at Cottingley Business Park, is investing £1.5 million buying and converting the former Anchor Housing base on Bolton Road and will start moving into the 15,000 sq ft building before Christmas.

Exa has recruited five staff to coincide with the move and plans to add 25 people to its 45-strong workforce over the next three years. Longer term, staff levels could expand to around 80.

The award-winning firm, launched 13  years ago by Mark Cowgill, Thomas Mangin and Michael Syree, is a leading independent internet and broadband connectivity provider for schools and businesses across the UK.

Its specialist education operation includes providing IT training for teachers and curriculum-related work. The ground floor of the new headquarters is being converted into a training and events space for up to 120 people.

Exa is taking advantage of Bradford Council's growth zone programme which provides business rate relief for firms preserving and creating jobs.

The company hopes the relocation will make it easier to recruit people for its niche operations as the office is close to public transport hubs and the new Broadway shopping centre- and will also better enable staff to use the company's cycle to work scheme.Mark Cowgill, co-founder and director, said: " Buying this building ends a two-year search for a suitable location large enough to cater for further growth. This building is around five times larger than our current base and will be 80 per cent occupied from the start but with enough space to meet our anticipated future needs.

"The city centre location will be an advantage as it can be difficult getting people to work out at Cottingley where we have run our of office and car parking space. At Bolton Road we have plenty of both. "

In addition to the education sector, Exa has developed software used by global companies such as Microsoft, Facebook, Google and the BBC .

Mark said the business was on track to double its £5 million turnover within two years as new developments come on stream.

Bradford Council Leader, Councillor David Green, said: "We are delighted Exa are so successful and looking to expand. We want to attract larger businesses into the city centre, especially those at the cutting edge of technology.

"Ultra fast and reliable internet connectivity is a must so their services should prove invaluable to many other companies."