A global market
Established in 1898 and currently based in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, The British Footwear Association (The BFA) represents the interests of over 130 UK-based companies supplying the Footwear industry. These companies cover manufacturing, importing and design and source specialists and employ over 9,000 people. They include major international brands and smaller innovative labels as well as high profile suppliers to the High Street, and all are committed to providing high service levels and pride in craftsmanship and innovative design.
The work of the BFA is overseen by a Board drawn from all sections of the Footwear industry with strong representation from manufacturers and companies based in Northamptonshire that includes Loakes, Church’s and Griggs (Dr Martens).
Made in Britain – a BFA initiative
The UK footwear manufacturing sector has been talked down for many years but lately, things have started to change. This will not get us back to the 1960′s when the industry had 100,00 people making 200m pairs – today there are 4,500 people making 5m pairs. However, these bald statistics hide another story. All producers are currently working flat out to satisfy the increasing demand for British made goods and the Northamptonshire factories continue to set the benchmark for high grade men’s welted products.
Church’s, Crockett & Jones, Barkers, John Lobb, Sanders & Sanders, Cheaneys and Trickers amongst others are making solid progress and Loakes have recently won the coveted Mens Footwear Prize at the Drapers Footwear Awards.
For further details on manufacturers willing to work with other footwear brands please visit the Made in Britain website here.
Led by the BFA and supported by UKTI, the British Edition takes the very best of British Footwear brands to international trade shows in Las Vegas, Milan and Dusseldorf.
More information on the initiative can be found here.
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