JAPANESE brides will be walking down the aisle in East Lancashire style thanks to a new business scheme.

Bridal firm Linzi Jay is celebrating after launching its special occasion wear in the Far East.

Neil Flatley, managing director of the firm, said he was delighted to have the opportunity to expand his business considering the current economic climate.

The company based in Shadsworth Business Park, Blackburn, was able to launch its Arianna range of tiaras and bridal jewellery in Japan after receiving free flights as part of a joint scheme between UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) services and British Airways.

British Airways donated 4,000 international return flights to UK businesses which employ less than 250 people and are seeking opportunities overseas to survive the recession.

Mr Flatley, who lives in Wilpshire with his wife Joanna and 10-year-old daughter Georgia, opened his doors to the public in 1995 after working for another Blackburn-based bridal firm, Cupid Bridal Gowns.

The 44-year-old said the Japanese were fair and thorough and were very interested in his firm’s Swarovski crystal encrusted wedding gowns.

He said: “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 free flight offer is open to UK companies which are working with UKTI through its Gateway to Global Growth programme, a 12-month package to provide exporters with the training and support they need to increase their overseas sales.

Lord Davies, minister for Trade and Investment, said: “British Airways and UKTI have formed a partnership to help small and medium sized companies look to new business horizons.

“Although the global slowdown has meant increased challenges for businesses, it has also created opportunities internationally for those that want to expand into new markets.

“I firmly believe the only way to do business overseas is to be on the ground connecting with the right people. You can’t do that by sitting in an office.

“With UKTI’s network of 2,500 specialists, located nationally and around the world, they’ll also have expert support to guide them through their international expansion strategy.”