A SPECIALIST textile supplier's links to the UK fashion sector are being highlighted in a drive to boost UK exports.

Wyedean Weaving, based in Haworth, supplies uniforms and accessories to Britain’s armed forces and overseas uniformed services, including the United Nations.

Trade experts say Wyedean’s growing links with the fashion sector reflect the increasing importance of the industry to the UK economy as it stages London Fashion Week.

Fleur-de-lis lacing produced by Wyedean featured on an infantry regiment drummer's military tunic initially worn by Rolling Stone Mick Jagger in the 1960s and recently modelled by Kate Moss for a fashion magazine feature on the Stones’ most famous costumes.

The direct value of the sector to the British economy was £26 billion in 2014, making it the UK’s largest creative industry, supporting around 800,000 jobs.

Wyedean Weaving – founded in 1964 by David Wright and now involving the fourth generation of the family – exports military and other uniforms and accessories to 60 countries.

It is famed for supplying the army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force, as well as the Metropolitan Police and London Fire Brigade.

But the firm – which has a 26-strong workforce – has also supplied products for films including Saving Private Ryan, 007: Die Another Day, Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, The Man in the Iron Mask, The Last Samurai and Pirates of the Caribbean.

Managing director Robin Wright, son of founder David, said: “In the past, Wyedean was primarily a manufacturer but these days, while some manufacturing remains in-house, we are more focused on managing our suppliers.

“This ability to be flexible and nimble and to embrace change allows us to expand our product range to appeal to sectors such as fashion and remains one of our greatest strengths.”

The firm’s growing overseas trade has been supported with Government-funded working capital to fulfil a contract to supply textile badges for UN peacekeepers’ uniforms.

The funding is from UK Export Finance, part of the Department for International Trade.

Mark Robson, the department's regional director, said: "Wyedean Weaving has traditionally clothed Britain’s soldiers, sailors and airmen and uniformed services abroad but is using its fleet-footed ability to broaden the appeal of a niche and specialist offering to a wide range of sectors including fashion.

"With exports to 60 countries already established, we look forward to providing further tailored assistance and support to help Wyedean with its plans to further expand its presence abroad."