Anti-virus firm expands operations
Sophos, a world leader in corporate anti-virus protection, today
announced that it has been granted planning permission by Vale of
White Horse District Council to begin building its new corporate
headquarters. Expanding its current site in Abingdon, Oxfordshire,
the new building will house 600 employees. Construction of the new
building has now started. This news coincides with Sophos's
announcement of 54%
increase in turnover and 65% growth in profit in the last
financial year.
The project, estimated to cost £32 million, is due for
completion in January 2003. The new building, with a total area of
145,000 sq ft, is to be 3 storeys high, finished externally in
glass, steel, aluminium and brick. In addition to expanded office
space, the building will provide extensive visitor and training
facilities.
The new building, designed by Bennetts Associates, combines
environmental best practice with the requirements of a
highly-serviced, IT-intensive building. The nature of the
anti-virus industry means that the building is built to high
security specifications.
"We are particularly pleased with the enhanced facilities the
new building will provide for our staff", said Peter Lammer, joint
CEO of Sophos Anti-Virus. "Bennetts Associates brings a great deal
of expertise to this project and has shown a clear understanding of
our needs in terms of environment and security."
Other facilities will include a roof garden and south facing
staff restaurant overlooking wild landscaping and a lake.
Previous buildings designed by Bennetts Associates include
prestigious award-winning headquarters for British Telecom, John
Menzies and PowerGen.
Sophos is headquartered in Boston, US and Oxford, UK. More information is available at www.sophos.com.