Sajid Javid backs Sheffield trade mission with £200 per company

A spokeswoman for the Cutlers’ Company confirmed the support after the newspaper followed up Sajid Javid’s offer of help at the Cutlers’ Feast.

She said: “The Cutlers’ Company is pleased to announce the support from UKTI Yorkshire and the Humber on their forthcoming trade mission to Canada on June 6 to 13. £200 is available to assist with travel costs, subject to eligibility.”

Some firms may be able to apply for £200 per employee, beyond the £200 per firm minimum.

Master Cutler Craig McKay is leading a group of 14 companies on a trip to coincide with the Global Petroleum Show in Calgary.

The announcement comes after business editor David Walsh contacted BIS following the Feast, when Mr Javid promised to look into helping the trip.

The issue was raised at the event by senior warden Richard Edwards, who hit out at the “bizarre” lack of financial support for the mission from government export body UKTI.

He said: “The Master Cutler is leading a trade mission to Canada.

“Given the large quarterly trade deficit, this is exactly the sort of thing industry should be doing and government should be supporting.

“Bizarrely UKTI will not support it financially and this again sends entirely the wrong message.”

Mr Javid responded saying: “I can promise that I’ll be looking into that – what we can still do to help, before you set off and once you’re on the ground.

“It’s the kind of project the government should be supporting.”