£1m FIFA Deal Boosts Strabane

Existing jobs have been secured with news that a local firm, Grosvenor Shirts has just signed a licence agreement with the soccer ruling body, FIFA to make luxury formal shirts for the forthcoming World Cup.

They will have different designs for each of the 32 qualifying countries and all be 'limited editions'.

Grosvenor is one of Northern Ireland's few remaining shirt companies, in what was once a thriving sector, with the deal being a boost to the workforce who can look forward to an increasingly secure future.

It has survived by targeting the top end of the market and founder and Managing Director, Karl Dunkley, said the FIFA agreement is part of that strategy.

He told the BBC's Eddie O'Gorman today: "It fits with our plans to develop franchisee initiatives on a global basis," and added that it is expected to result in around £1m of revenue for the Co Tyrone business.

NI Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster previoulsy announced that Grosvenor Shirts has scored the prestigious licence agreement for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa.

Appointed by Global Brands Group, FIFA's exclusive worldwide master licensee, Grosvenor, based in Strabane, will design and manufacture luxury formal shirts designed exclusively for each qualifying country.

Support from Invest Northern Ireland is helping Grosvenor Shirts to enhance manufacturing capability at its Strabane factory and carry out targeted marketing activity as it delivers work under the licensing agreement.

The Minister said: "The local textiles sector has faced many difficulties over the past decade, but Grosvenor Shirts' focus on quality products, strong design and branding, and diversification has allowed it to retain market share.

"It has also developed a strong partnership with Invest NI which has helped the company to achieve such success," she said.

"This high profile contract will give Grosvenor global recognition through the 2010 FIFA World Cup branded product range and will open up new opportunities for export sales and worldwide franchise agreements."

The limited edition merchandise will be sold directly through Grosvenor Shirts' two London stores, on its website and into high end retail stores worldwide.

Commenting further, Karl Dunkley, Managing Director of Grosvenor Shirts, said: "This year Grosvenor Shirts celebrates 10 years of designing and manufacturing quality gentlemen’s shirts.

"We have successfully established our brand in the competitive London fashion market and are keen to establish the brand internationally.

"Invest NI has been extremely supportive and its commitment to this latest project has helped us to fully exploit opportunities arising from this new license."

(BMcC/GK)