First green trade mission heads to US

In tune with government efforts to boost British business abroad, six companies including a loft lagger and a zero-carbon beer-maker will accompany the Climate Change Minister, Greg Barker, to the US today on the UK's first green trade mission.

They will meet politicians, investors and business groups seeking to drum up business for the firms and also attract investment in the UK energy market.

The companies on the tour are Jupiter Asset Management, energy efficiency expert Mark Group, renewable energy developer RES Group, brewer Adnams, fuel cell developer Intelligent Energy and risk management specialist Willis Group.