WITHAM MP Dame Priti Patel visited a car manufacturer in the town hailed as an “international enterprise” working with luxury and high-performance names in the motoring world.

Nigel Lempriere, a leading automotive engineer, originally established the business as Automotive Design Partnership in 1999.

Their specialty is high value products for highly sought after vehicles, developing ultra-premium vehicle programmes for the likes of Aston Martin, McLaren and Pininfarina.

Following Tecniq’s success in the Colchester Soapbox Rally, Dame Priti visited the Witham-based business to see the work they do.

She spoke to chief executive Nigel Lempriere and chief operating officer Tony Smith about how improvements to the apprenticeship levy, an issue she has campaigned on, would help to increase the number of apprentices.

They also discussed securing high-skilled careers for young people living in the area.

Dame Priti said: “It was a real pleasure to visit Tecniq to see the incredible work they do. 

“To have such a world-leading company in the heart of Witham is a testament to the high-skilled professionals and apprentices we have in our local area. 

“It was helpful to listen to Nigel to see how we can work together to see more young local people taking apprenticeships, delivering high-skilled professions and careers, which companies like Tecniq provide.”

Mr Lempriere said it was a “pleasure” to welcome Dame Priti to the Witham site.

He added: “Our shared passion for STEM skills and early-stage career development was the perfect introduction as she met apprentices and trainees during her tour across the business.

“It was great for Priti to see first-hand how our apprentices contribute to the creative design, engineering and hi-tech manufacturing that goes into hypercar development for some of the world’s leading luxury car brands.”