12 January 2000
GLOBAL FOCUS SHARPENS ABILITY TO COMPETE FOR BUSINESS
Northern Ireland textiles companies can sharpen their competitiveness and ensure profitable growth by moving ever closer to customers through greater participation in major international exhibitions and other export marketing activities, Sir Reg Empey MLA, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Investment, said today.
Welcoming the participation of nine Northern Ireland textiles companies at Heimtextil 2000 in Frankfurt, the world's biggest household furnishings fair, from 12-15 January, Sir Reg said: "I am delighted by the quality and breadth of the products from Northern Ireland which will be on show at this highly influential international exhibition.
"Our textiles and clothing companies can build a better future by harnessing the expertise and knowledge they possess and use the services of agencies such as Trade International and the Industrial Research and Technology Unit's Design Directorate to develop innovative, design-led and customer-focused products.
"Some local companies in the sector have been going through a rough patch recently, but there are a number of world-class companies which are prospering through a strong commitment to excellence in products and customer-focused services for world markets," added Sir Reg.
The Minister said: "Northern Ireland fabrics enjoy an international reputation for quality with Irish Linen being regarded as the best in the world.
"The companies showing products at this exhibition are facing the challenge of competition head-on and demonstrating that they have the will to win in this most important marketplace.
"Participation in Heimtextil and other trade shows provides a platform for companies to market existing goods, test new products and gain information about customer requirements and fashion trends within an international framework.
"While I am unable to attend the exhibition personally, I hope to be in Europe over the next few weeks helping local companies promote and sell their products. I will also be encouraging European companies to consider Northern Ireland as a potential investment location and a top class tourist destination.
"European markets, in particular, offer substantial opportunities to our companies. I look forward to working with Trade International on further initiatives which will expand our exports throughout Europe and with IDB on activities to attract further investment from European companies to Northern Ireland," added Sir Reg.
Northern Ireland's participation at the show is being organised by the Irish Linen Guild and Trade International Northern Ireland, IDB’s export and trade arm.
Among the innovative products being launched by Northern Ireland companies at the show are furnishing fabrics in pastel floral designs and colourful batiks along with linens and linen blends for the interior designers. Established products including the highest quality of white jacquard table linen will be featured on the stand.
A new and fashionable colour range of bed and table linens in colours such as black, metallic grey, lotus green and navy is being launched by Ferguson's Irish Linen at the show. Samuel Lamont is introducing a collection of towelling products with sculptured designs by Caroline Charles and a range of new shades for the internationally renowned Designers Guild. McCaw Allan will be launching a range of floral kitchen accessories.
Over 30 new tea towel designs ranging from classic floral patterns to fun animals will be unveiled by Ulster Weavers at Heimtextil, as well as contemporary table wear in pure Irish Linen using modern colours and designs.
John England Irish Linen has also created a range of furnishing fabrics in pastel colours in linen and blends with cotton, polyamide and polyester.
Heimtextil 2000, the leading showcase for household and furnishing fabrics, celebrates its 30th anniversary this year and is expected to attract over 30,000 international trade buyers.
NORTHERN IRELAND COMPANIES PARTICIPATING AT HEIMTEXTIL EXHIBITION IN FRANKFURT FROM 12-15 JANUARY 2000
Decora Window Blinds Ltd Lisburn Wooden window blinds
Ewart Liddell Donaghcloney Fine quality table and bed linens
Ferguson's Irish Linen Banbridge Fine quality table and bed linens
John England Irish Linen Belfast Furnishing fabrics
Loch Ruray House Dundrum Wall hangings, throws, cushions and bed linens
McCaw Allan Limited Lurgan Kitchen accessories
Samuel Lamont Group Ballymena Terry towelling and tea cloths
Tesselato Textiles Strangford Wall hangings, throws bedcovers and cushion covers
Ulster Weavers Home Fashions Ltd Belfast Kitchen co-ordinates
For further information please contact Audrey Bertinat, IDB Press Office, Tel. 028 9054 4894.