A Government minister toured businesses in Colchester in the company of local MP Sir Bob Russell on Friday as part of a fact-finding mission in the area.

Among the firms visited by Business and Enterprise Minister Michael Fallon was energy-efficient ventilation firm Flakt Woods.

The company supplies air climate solutions for buildings and air movement for the infrastructure and industry sector.

Mr Fallon met with members of Essex Chambers of Commerce, which hosted the event, and toured the Flakt Woods factory.

Flakt Woods managing director Allan Hurdle gave Mr Fallon and Sir Bob an insight into why the company’s products are exported all over the world and how they were featured in the Olympic Stadium during London 2012.

The Minister also discussed a range of issues with Chambers members including energy security, the development of renewable energy, the regulatory burden on businesses and funding of skills development in the county.

Denise Rossiter, Chief Executive of Essex Chambers of Commerce, welcomed the interest the Minister showed in some of the issues companies in Colchester were facing.

“The visit of the Business Minister to Colchester shows the importance the Government attaches to growing our business base,” she said.

“I very much welcomed the interest he showed in one of our major members as well as hearing first-hand about some of the issues that are affecting businesses and I am delighted that we were able to host his meeting.”