REPRESENTATIVES from Bolton are on a trade mission to South East Asia led by the Prime Minister.

University of Bolton and Vernacare form part of the delegation accompanying David Cameron as he leads the first Northern Powerhouse trade mission to Singapore and Malaysia to forge new business links.

Mr Cameron and Business Secretary Sajid Javid and the delegation of 62 northern companies – including the Bolton organisations - are exploring new business opportunities in the region.

Northern Powerhouse is a plan which will result in powers being devolved to city regions with a single accountable mayor set to govern the region.

The Prime Minister will meet the Northern Powerhouse delegation in Singapore at a business event today.

Mr Cameron said: “The government is committed to ensuring the UK’s northern regions play their part in rebalancing our economy.

“With so much untapped potential, I’m delighted to be part of this first Northern Powerhouse trade mission – the first of what I hope will be many.”

The Government says that the Northern Powerhouse is already celebrating successes and business wins with Vernacare, which designs and produces a single-use, human waste management system, recently exporting to Singapore.

It has captured around 24 per cent of their hospital market, with says the government, the help of UK Trade and Investment.

In Singapore, the delegates will hear strategies from a panel of experts on developing links between South East Asia and the North of England. Later on in the week the delegation will travel to Malaysia to take part in networking opportunities.

Business Secretary Sajid Javid said: “Our long-term economic plan seeks to rebalance growth across the regions and nations of the UK, and building a Northern Powerhouse will be a key part of this. This mission – the first of its kind – will demonstrate the strength of the northern regions, which are home to some of the most innovative companies and institutions in the world.”