Celebrating Northamptonshire‘s Footwear Legacy
The Northamptonshire Footwear Manufacturers’ Annual Dinner is always a special occasion — a moment to reflect on the region’s proud shoemaking heritage and to celebrate its continued innovation and global impact.
Honouring Northamptonshire’s Footwear Heritage
Note from Paul Griffiths Chief Executive of Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce, who attended the Northamptonshire Footwear Manufacturers Annual Dinner.
“A Chamber of Commerce for Northamptonshire was founded in 1917 in response to the concerns of boot and shoe manufacturers over exports during the First World War,” shared Paul Griffiths, Chief Executive of the Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce, who was honoured to be the guest speaker at the event.
“It was, therefore, an incredible honour and privilege in my role as Chief Executive to be the guest speaker at last night’s Northamptonshire Footwear Manufacturers’ Annual Dinner. Many thanks to the team at Barker Shoes Ltd for providing the opportunity (thanks also to Jacqui Wilkins for suggesting me as a potential speaker). A thoroughly enjoyable evening.”
Strength in Collaboration: Visual Identity and Barker Shoes
Visual Identity Creative would like to thank the Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce for its continued support and for championing regional excellence across sectors. We’re proud to have been part of the celebration, particularly in collaboration with Barker Shoes Ltd, a long-standing client and iconic British footwear brand.
Visual Identity Creative thanks Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce for its support.
Uniting the Industry: The Role of the British Footwear Association
Who is the British Footwear Association? As a membership-based organisation, the British Footwear Association (BFA) brings together a vibrant network of UK-based footwear manufacturers, designers, wholesalers, service providers and retailers. Their mission is to promote and enable growth within the footwear sector both in the UK and internationally through a broad range of strategic initiatives and support services.
Our membership spans from artisan shoemakers to some of the most recognised global footwear brands, making the BFA a vital voice in the industry. We are committed to providing guidance, expertise, and insight across essential areas, including export, sustainability, legislation, and skills development.
What is he history of the BFA? The British Footwear Association began as the British Footwear Manufacturers Federation (BFMF), officially registered on 1st December 1898 (Company 59737). It brought together regional manufacturing groups to create a united voice. On 27th March 1996, the name changed to the British Footwear Association, reflecting its broader remit and forward-looking mission.
