A party of Coventry clothing manufacturers is off to Ireland on a trade mission to sew up some export opportunities.

Coventry Clothing Centre has teamed up with Business Link Coventry & Warwickshire to organise the three-day trip to the Emerald Isle at the beginning of December.

The aim is to create opportunities for local manufacturers in a potentially lucrative market.

The six manufacturers, who are members of the Coventry Clothing Manufacturers Association, will also be joined by two other manufacturers from different parts of the country. The products range from baby wear to evening wear.

Business Link made sure the manufacturers were armed with a list of potential contacts to encourage appointment making before setting off across the Irish Sea.

Once in Ireland the manufacturers will be attending a special evening reception at the British Embassy in Dublin, as well as following up on their appointments.

Councillor Ram Lakha, chairman of Coventry Clothing Centre's Committee, said:

"The aim of the Clothing Centre is to support local manufacturers and we are always looking at new ways to achieve this.

"I believe this mission will create real opportunities for local manufacturers with the aim of winning orders and forming relationships."

Mick Page, export adviser at Business Link Coventry & Warwickshire, explained that Ireland was the UK's biggest export market for clothing and there were still plenty of opportunities to exploit for companies with the right motivation.

"A common language and business culture make Ireland an ideal place for manufacturers to consider for export.

"The Irish economy is also one of the fastest growing in Europe and has lots of potential. Added to this is a strong cultural bond and friendship.

"It is unusual to have a trade mission solely aimed at one market sector, but in this case the export opportunities are so strong it made perfect sense," said Mr Page.