Trade mission to develop international trade

An Essex-based company is among 40 UK businesses taking part in a trade mission to Latin America which is being led by Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg.

The three-day trip involves visits to Mexico and Colombia, with the delegation also including Trade and Investment Minister Lord Livingston and Mexico Trade Envoy Baroness Bonham-Carter.

Among the firms taking part is Lifesaver Systems from Marks Tey, near Colchester, which has developed innovative “nano-filtration” technology to make dirty water fit for drinking by removing bacteria, parasites and viruses without the use of chemicals, power or ultraviolet light.

Other businesses represented on this week’s trip include major international names such as banking giant HSBC, engine manufacturer Rolls Royce, commercial banknote printer De La Rue and oil and energy firm Shell.