An Essex businesswoman who heads the UK’s largest High Court Enforcement Agency has joined other local firms on a trade mission to Washington DC and Virginia to forge links with the American states.

Claire Sandbrook, Chief Executive of Braintree-based Shergroup, has accompanied 15 other business on the Trade Mission organised by Essex and Kent County Councils.

The week-long visit that has just started involves business networking opportunities in Jamestown and Richmond and a reception held by the governor of Virginia, Timothy Kaine.

Before leaving Mrs Sandbrook said: “I am going to look at how we can help US businesses enforce their judgments against debtors not just in the UK but in Europe and worldwide.”

“I shall be meeting with representatives from the Virginia State Department and local law enforcement officers and I’m looking forward to show-casing Shergroup’s work in America as we feel the business has an international appeal.”

Organisations joining the trip range from IT firms, legal and financial businesses such as Shergroup, new start-ups and emergency planning firms.

They responded to the county council’s open invitation for business chiefs, who thought they could benefit, to apply to join the UK trade mission.

Lord Hanningfield, Leader or Essex County Council, said: “We are a county with a strong entrepreneurial sprit that is a great location for business.”

“This trade mission is to renew the links between America and Essex that started with the crossings of the Godspeed, Discovery and Susan Constant 400 years ago.”

“It will give companies like Shergroup brilliant opportunities to make new connections and show America what they have to offer, as well as give them an opportunity to learn from counterparts across the Ocean.www.shergroup.net