Japanese honeymoon for bridal business
BLACKBURN-based bridal firm Linzi Jay is launching its products in Japan for the first time, after taking advantage of a scheme being launched by UK Trade & Investment and British Airways.
British Airways is giving away 4,000 international return flights to UK based small and medium businesses that wanted to expand overseas to survive in the difficult economy.
The offer is open to UK companies which are working with UKTI through its Gateway to Global Growth programme, a 12 month, individually tailored package to provide exporters with the training and support they need to increase their overseas sales.
Linzi Jay, which manufactures and supplies bridal and special occasion wear, had been working with UKTI to explore opportunities in Japan and is one of the first companies in Lancashire to benefit from the BA flights.
The company used the free flight offer to help launch its range of tiaras and bridal jewellery in Japan.
Managing Director Neil Flatley said: “We are very proud of our Arianna range, incorporating genuine Swarovski crystal, and research indicated that the product would do well in Japan, where they appreciate quality and attention to detail.
“Linzi Jay is quite a small company and the costs of visiting Japan for a week would have been prohibitive without the help of UKTI and BA. Being able to fly out to the market without worrying about the costs of the flights was fantastic, and I met three influential buyers – all representing important chains of retail outlets.
“One buyer agreed to take samples right away – which is almost unheard of in the Japanese market where business can take a long time to be agreed – and another buyer from a large chain of prestigious stores has kept in touch and I am very hopeful they will become good long term customers.”
The Gateway to Global Growth scheme is designed to help small businesses employing less than 250 people and with between two and 10 years export experience. It provides a variety of services including an in-depth company review, access to training, specialist advice, match funding of up to £1,000 to break into a chosen market and the chance to receive one of the BA flights.
