Award-winning Merseyside firm Clarke Energy is joining the Prime Minister this week as she leads her first visit to Africa.

Operating in 25 countries worldwide, the company is leading the way in providing high-efficiency power plants using natural gas or renewable fuels.

29 senior business leaders from across the country will be representing the very best of British business in technology, infrastructure and financial and professional services.

Visiting South Africa, Nigeria, and Kenya over the course of the trip, they will meet with leading businesses, policymakers and entrepreneurs in order to build new investment, trading and export ties between the UK and these emerging markets.

Prime Minister Theresa May said:

“I’m delighted that Clarke Energy is joining me on this visit, representing the Northern Powerhouse on the global stage.

I want this trip to show off the world-leading technology, services and expertise that the UK has to offer.

Clarke Energy’s success overseas is a perfect example of how Northern businesses are poised to take advantage of the growing opportunities in emerging markets and boost their international reach.”

Alex Marshall, Group Marketing and Compliance Director at Clarke Energy, said:

“The African continent hosts a series of key markets for Clarke Energy’s business and we have been operating there since 2003. Africa needs power to support its development and as a UK company operating in the gas, power and renewables sectors we are well placed to help.

I am delighted to be invited to join this high profile visit which helps to further raise our profile in three of these countries; Nigeria, South Africa and Kenya.”

The trip will offer opportunities for future growth and development in key markets across the African continent, and for the company to raise its profile at the most senior level.

The company is a specialist in the engineering, installation and maintenance of engine-based power plants, and employs over 1,100 people worldwide.

Earlier this year, Clarke Energy was awarded the title of Export Champion for the Northern Powerhouse by the Department for International Trade, in recognition of its international success and the role it is playing in helping other local companies to grow and export.

Africa is developing fast; more than half of the anticipated growth in global population between now and 2050 is expected to occur in Africa, and according to the International Monetary Fund, African economies are amongst the fastest growing in the world, making it a significant trading and investment partner for the UK.

During the visit, the Prime Minister will set out how new partnerships between the UK and Africa can add value to the UK economy, create new market opportunities for British businesses, and boost jobs and prosperity for the benefit of all.

Clarke Energy is a member of World Biogas Association (WBA). To see the list of all the members, click here: www.worldbiogasassociation.org/members