UNTIL now you'd be forgiven for thinking the boss of a small but growing Worcester company had little in common with Barack Obama.

But city-based Ian Whiting has recently been sharing a common purpose with the US President - after both spent time with David Cameron around his recent trip to Washington.

Mr Whiting, who runs Titania, an up-and-coming cyber security firm in Barbourne Road, was specially selected by Number 10 to head over the pond with the premier as part of a trade delegation.

And before the trip he also took part in a round-table debate in Downing Street with the PM's advisors all about boosting internet security.

He also got time with Mr Cameron while in Washington.

As your Worcester News revealed in November Titania only employs around 25 people but has grown 400 per cent in five years and now has contracts with the likes of Manchester City FC, Sony, Visa, Mastercard, various UK Government departments, the US army, navy and air force, the Australian military and the FBI.

Cyber security minister Francis Maude opened the firm's Barbourne Road HQ two months ago and word then reached Mr Cameron's advisors about its potential.

The Washington trip took place last Thursday, January 15 over two days and while Mr Cameron was chin-wagging with the US President, Mr Whiting got to benefit by linking up with a raft of selected American companies to discuss trade links.

Mr Whiting said: "Our invitation to these meetings indicates that state leaders are aware of this booming industry and they are keen to provide their support."

He said on the trip they got to meet potential US investors to explore possible link-ups.

Mr Cameron said: "The UK is already leading the way in cyber security and this Government is committed to ensuring it continues to be a leader in this multi-billion dollar industry.

"That’s why on this trip I showcased some of the leading UK cyber security companies including Titania in Worcester, which had the chance to meet investors and build their business in the US."

Top of the agenda for the premier was discussing ways of bolstering both nation's economies and cushioning them from the global economic uncertainty threatened by rapidly falling oil prices.