Cyber security consulting firm Anchor Technologies Inc. is opening its doors at its new headquarters at 6315 Hillside Court in Columbia.
Anchor started in Annapolis in 2002 and provides clients with both advisory assessment and technology integration consulting services. A heightened focus on cyber security in recent years has led to a sharp increase in demand for consulting work, and the company’s original facility was no longer large enough to meet its needs.
At 4,583 square feet - three times the size of its previous space - the firm’s new location offers plenty of room to expand. In addition to ample office space, the facility supports a managed services operation center and a dedicated training room.
“The new space allows us more opportunities for cyber training classes, hosting MeetUps, vendor presentations and company events,” said Peter Dietrich, CEO of Anchor Technologies. “In addition, we have room for additional employees to manage BlueRing, our new small business cyber security as a service offering.”
Dietrich, a 21-year resident of Howard County, always knew he wanted to base the company in the county. When he became sole owner of Anchor in 2015, facilitating a move to Howard County was one of the first items on his agenda.
“Howard County has been a great environment to live and raise children. Being centrally located in the Baltimore/Washington market has reduced employee commute times tremendously, improving the work/life balance of our team.”
The new location is nestled just off Rt. 29 and Rt. 32, making it easy for employees to commute to and from work. The short distance from Baltimore and Washington D.C. puts Anchor in close proximity to its major clients, which include financial institutions, think tanks, healthcare providers and law firms in the Washington metropolitan area.“
It’s always great to welcome new cyber firms to the area, but it’s even better to see our own residents bringing their place of work closer to home,” said County Executive Allan H. Kittleman. “We know there is no better place to both work and live than Howard County. It’s great to see others share that belief as well.”
Anchor currently employs 12 people and is optimistic about future additions to its team.
“Howard County really is a hotbed for cyber and information technology,” said Lawrence Twele, chief executive of the Howard County Economic Development Authority. “Our cyber workforce in this area is one of the strongest in the country and our proximity to two major cities and the federal industry sector makes it easy for companies to connect with existing clients and branch out to new ones.”
About HCEDA
The Howard County Economic Development Authority is a public-private partnership whose primary goal is to promote economic growth and stability by supporting existing businesses, targeting new businesses, and attracting corporate/regional headquarters. The Authority also maintains several programs aimed at the special needs of small and agricultural businesses. Additionally, the Authority strives to preserve the distinctive quality of life in Howard County. The Authority can be reached at www.hceda.org.