University chiefs, staff and students are spending a week in Hong Kong where they are showcasing the work being done in Preston to some of the most influential fashion and business leaders.

They have chosen Hong Kong to promote the venture, in partnership with the British Council, Hong Kong Youth Arts Foundation and the Swire Group corporation in a bid to attract support from the Far East for its long term plans.

In the future International Fashion Institute will have a global perspective and is looking to develop strong links with India, China and Australia.

The aim is to monitor and develop emerging trends on a global scale.

The results of this work will feed into teaching and enable staff to carry out consultancy and research activities.

This year UCLan headlined at London fashion week.

UCLan already has a long history of working in Asia, delivering over 50 courses to 3,500 students outside the UK, with bases in China and India.

John Holloway, acting head of the school of creative and performing arts, said the university was already a world leader in the courses it provided, and enjoyed huge success.

More than half the students on the fashion MA are from Asia and China. However, the Institute wants to break into new markets in terms of attracting students and research and business potential.

Angela Murphy, deputy vice-chancellor/vice president is among the overseas party.

She said: "UCLan is committed to providing innovative fashion courses which equip our students with the skills, knowledge and entrepreneurship required by the fashion industry in an international arena.

"Giving students real working experiences in an international context is one of UCLan's fundamental aims. This institute demonstrates our genuine commitment to this goal."

Vice-principal Dr Malcolm McVicar is also there as is Glenda Brindle, head of the department of art and fashion, who said: "The university's fashion courses have built a worldwide reputation because of the quality educational experience that we provide.

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"Crucial to this is the work placement element which enables our students to put theory into practice within a commercial setting. We have a growing network of nearly 200 top industry contacts that provide our students with meaningful work experience opportunities."

UCLan has been producing graduates for the fashion industry for more than 40 years and is one of the top three institutions for fashion in the UK.

This year students will go to Hong Kong to buy fabric for their final fashion collection, giving them access to fabric they would never be able to buy in the UK, which will help set them apart in the global workplace.

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