It has been hailed as a Norfolk innovation success story.

But now Intelligent Fingerprinting is cutting its ties with the county to help drive its next stage of expansion after a decision to relocate to Cambridge.

The former Future50 company and UEA spin-out, which was formed in 2009, has developed a revolutionary handheld drug-testing device, and attracted wide-ranging interested in the technology and particularly in the US.

Bosses said the company was now looking to expand its operations by setting up a new global headquarters at Evolution Business Park in Cambridge.

The company's unique technology is based on pioneering British research and the new premises, which it said comprises custom-designed commercial, R&D and manufacturing facilities, will allow Intelligent Fingerprinting to develop its products fully in the UK.

The move is part of the company's ambitious growth plans as it gears up to launch its first product in the coming months. And it was keen to play down any negative effects on Norfolk, pointing out that a number of new Cambridge-based employees have joined the company since the beginning of 2015 and there would be no job losses as a result of the relocation.

Dr Jerry Walker, chief executive officer, said: 'The company has maintained constant growth since it was first funded in 2009 and the new purpose-designed Cambridge HQ will allow us to continue our expansion, bringing our management team all together in one place and providing easier access to customers and partners. Cambridge is an important global centre for scientific research and development and, as we approach the launch of our first product, our relocation is timely. Research, development and product manufacturing will all take place on-site, and we hope that our mobile drug screening device will be the first of many revolutionary fingerprint-based developments to come.'

Dr Walker added: 'As a spin out from the University of East Anglia we are grateful for the strong support we have received from the Norwich business community and Norwich Research Park, where we have been situated since 2011.'

Jonathan Barnard, development and leasing manager at Norwich Research Park said: 'Since moving on site in 2011, Intelligent Fingerprinting has continued to go from strength to strength; expanding into new laboratory and office accommodation three times. As a research park we are committed to helping businesses develop in line with the needs of the organisation and we are delighted to have been able support Intelligent Fingerprinting on their journey. We wish them every success for the future.'