Celebrating Northamptonshire‘s Footwear Legacy
The Northamptonshire Footwear Manufacturers‘ Annual Dinner is always a special occasion. This year was a moment to reflect on the region’s proud shoemaking heritage. The event celebrates 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.
“The Chamber of Commerce for Northamptonshire was founded in 1917, a response to the concerns of boot and shoe manufacturers over exports during the First World War.“ Shared by Paul Griffiths, Chief Executive of the Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce. He was honoured to be the guest speaker at the event.
“It is an incredible honour and privilege in my role as Chief Executive,” Paul continued, “To attend as guest speaker at last night‘s Northamptonshire Footwear Manufacturers‘ Annual Dinner. I pass my thanks to the team at Barker Shoes Ltd for providing the opportunity. Thanks must go to Jacqui Newham (Wilkins), Visual Identity, for creating this opportunity by suggesting me as a potential speaker to the event organisers. 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 and our collaboration with Barker Shoes Ltd. Who are a long-standing client and iconic British footwear brand.
Visual Identity Creative thanks Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce for its support.
Northamptonshire Footwear Manufacturers‘ Annual Dinner
Uniting the industry: The role of the British Footwear Association
Who is the British Footwear Association? 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 in the UK and internationally. They offer support and a broad range of strategic initiatives and support services.
Their membership spans from artisan shoemakers to some of the most recognised global footwear brands. This makes the BFA a vital voice in the industry. They are committed to providing guidance, expertise, and insight across essential areas. This includes export, sustainability, legislation, and skills development.
What is the 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.
