Ventilation fan manufacturer Fläkt Woods is the latest company to become a patron of Essex Chambers of Commerce.

Allan Hurdle, managing director, said: “We have been members of Essex Chambers of Commerce for several years and they have been of real help in supporting our exporting activities and getting myself and colleagues to meet senior ministers and civil servants to talk about the challenges manufacturers and exporters like us face on a day to day basis.

“Becoming a patron of the chambers seemed a logical step and we would look forward to doing even more work with them in the coming years.”

Denise Rossiter, chief executive of Essex Chambers, said: “I am delighted to welcome Fläkt Woods as our latest patron; we already do a considerable amount of work with them through our international trade department but this will enable us to do far more in the future to promote them and their products.”

She added “Fläkt Woods have been in Colchester in one form or another since 1909 and like us are still opening doors for business, including to 10 Downing Street.

“It was especially gratifying to see their managing director, Allan Hurdle, meet with the Prime Minister last year to talk with him and other ministers about the importance of exporting”