Versarien's China expansion boosted by further govt employee secondment

Advanced materials engineering group Versarien on Wednesday saw a second Department for International Trade (DIT) secondee join its ranks.

Peter Jay, head of policy and governance for outward direct investment at the DIT, will work exclusively for Versarien over a 12 month period and be primarily responsible for the company's planned Chinese expansion as deputy head of international strategy and government relations.

His appointment follows that of Matt Walker, who joined the AIM-traded company as the head of international strategy and government relations.

The programme is part of Trade Secretary Liam Fox’s commitment to support UK businesses with their overseas investment, which has been named as one of the department’s priorities, the company said.

Neill Ricketts, chief executive of Versarien, said: "We are delighted to welcome Peter Jay to Versarien. Peter will be key to ensuring the successful execution of our Chinese expansion plans and his arrival further broadens our special relationship with the UK government."

Within the DIT, Jay, who has studied mandarin in Beijing and worked in investment consulting, was a member of the infrastructure team before becoming the department's head of policy and governance for outward direct investment.

Versarien’s shares were up 3.43% at 120.50p at 0921 BST.