HALCROW chairman Tony Allum is to lead a delegation to Iraq in order to assess how the UK private sector might provide support for the country's rehabilitation.

As a member of the Government's Industry Working Group on Iraq, Mr Allum, who is based at the engineering firm's head offices in Wroughton, has accepted an offer from Trade Partners UK (TPUK) to chair and lead a mission to Baghdad.

TPUK is a Government-sponsored organisation designed to help UK-based companies achieve their export potential.

Commenting on his appointment, Mr Allum said: "I am honoured to chair this working group.

"Our role will be to produce an initial assessment of Iraq's physical and institutional infrastructure and make recommendations on those areas where the UK private sector might provide support to Iraq's rehabilitation.

"British industry has much to offer.

"We have some of the world's leading infrastructure support organisations.

"The role of the TPUK mission will ensure that the interests of these companies are represented, and that we are well-placed to contribute to the programme of work."