Former minister joins Dyson

Dyson Appliances has appointed non-executive director Sir Richard Needham as deputy chairman of the company.

Needham, a former Conservative minister, has advised the manufacturer in a non-executive capacity since 1995.

Needham’s role will be to focus on the international expansion of Dyson, which currently claims to be the highest-selling vacuum cleaner manufacturer in Europe.

Chairman James Dyson says: “Richard was the most travelled minister of trade. As our local MP he was one of the first visitors to our factory in Chippenham, and he has encouraged and advised us ever since. He’s been the linchpin of our international expansion.

“We are really excited that Richard has agreed to be our deputy chairman.”