Technology and engineering giant Dyson has faced criticism at the announcement its head office will relocate from the UK to Singapore.

The company says no teams will move from Malmesbury as a result of this decision.

“It is business as usual for people outside of the executive team,” a spokesman said. “The growth of our business in Asia from a commercial and operations perspective does not change our investment plans in the UK.”

But Green MEP for the South West, Molly Scott Cato, said: “This is a worrying day for Dyson workers and their families. Many businesses are considering their future in the UK in light of the uncertainties and chaos around Brexit. However, many would have expected a man who has previously talked up No Deal to stick the course. When the Chancellor mentioned Singapore as a suitable model for the post-Brexit economy I don't think he intended our leading businesses to relocate there. Perhaps, after all, Brexit is not quite as good for business as Mr Dyson had us believe.”

The Dyson spokesman added: “We will continue to grow in the UK. It is where we began and remains a core creative and engineering centre; our recruitment and investment plans continue unchanged. The Dyson Institute of Engineering and Technology is a vital part of our plan to nurture engineers for our long-term future in the UK and our expansion in Malmesbury, Hullavington, London and Bristol is ongoing. “