Dyson could be about to move its manufacturing operations to the Far East as higher costs and market forces take their toll on the top UK company.

The firm, who introduced the innovative 'bagless' model of vacuum cleaner to the UK market, have been considering for some time the options that would be provided if Dyson were to transfer their operations to countries such as Malaysia – where the company already has a plant – and China.

Speaking to the BBC, company founder James Dyson described the decision as a difficult one to make, as the move would go against his desire to retain Dyson's base of operations in Britain. However, as he explained, the company was currently focused on maintaining its profile in Australia, New Zealand and Japan, and on making its mark on countries throughout the Australasia region - and perhaps most importantly into the US. In order to do so, Dyson would greatly benefit from a manufacturing base in the Far East, which would also bring the company closer to most of its suppliers, who are also based in the area.

However, Mr Dyson said that no matter where the company decided to locate its new manufacturing divisions, Dyson's research and development facility would stay at the existing base in Malmesbury, Wiltshire, ensuring that their products are still "British-engineered". He also said that any money recouped from the decision to move manufacturing abroad would be immediately reinvested back into Dyson, to ensure the future of the company's presence in the UK. (CL)