Versarien plc announced on Tuesday that Matt Walker, head of outward direct investment at the UK government's department for international trade (DIT), has joined the company on a secondment.
The AIM-traded materials engineering group said Walker, who has joined for a minimum of 12 months, will work exclusively for Versarien and will take on the role of head of international strategy and government relations.

Neill Ricketts, chief executive of Versarien, said: "We are delighted to welcome Matt Walker to Versarien. Matt will be key to ensuring the successful continued international expansion of Versarien and maintaining our special relationship with the UK Government."

Formed in 2013, the DIT has a number of objectives including aiding the profitability of UK businesses through supporting their overseas investment.

As such, the DIT has agreed to the secondment of Walker to help progress the company's overseas investment ambitions, ensuring Versarien benefits from UK government connectivity.

"I would like to express my sincere thanks to the Department for International Trade for their continued support and in particular their faith in Versarien through seconding such a senior resource. The inclusion of Matt in our growing team enables us to focus on our plans for the international expansion of the Nanene Brand in multiple locations and regions, whilst still focussing on our current collaborations, which are progressing well, and additional projects we are discussing," said Ricketts.

As of 1618 BST, Versarien's shares were up 13.08% at 73.50p.

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