Dyson says lack of engineers in the UK could force vacuum maker offshore - Telegraph.co.uk

The company hired 200 new engineers in the UK last year, offering graduates a £25,200 starting salary and a joining bonus of £3,000. The group is planning to double the number of engineers in its Malmesbury base to 700.

Trevor Garlick, the head of BP's North Sea operations, told The Sunday Telegraph at the weekend that a shortage of engineering skills in the UK could also hamper its growth prospects.

Sir James's warning came as Dyson unveiled record profits for 2010, driven by a 15pc increase in revenues to £887m. Operating profits were 8.4pc higher at £206m. The engineering entrepreneur said Dyson had grown revenues again this year.

"We're doing well in a recession and that's largely driven by our investment in R&D, it's paying off," Sir James said, highlighting strong sales in the US and Japan.

"If you look at our competitors – companies like Electrolux and Whirlpool – they are finding it tough. But we're offering new technology – look at Apple, it's doing well because it's offering new technology. In a recession people think more carefully about how they're going to spend their money."

Dyson said sales were being driven by international expansion, with the company launching in seven new markets in 2010, taking it into 52 countries in total.

Products including the group's Air Multiplier fans, Digital Slim cordless vacuum, and Airblade hand dryer all enjoyed strong sales.