UK footwear manufacturing sector grows 22% in two years
The chief executive of the British Footwear Association, John Saunders, has told leatherbiz that there has been a “steady and significant increase in international interest in British-made footwear”.
This follows on from reports that leathergoods companies are seeing increased demand – a subject we look at more closely in the next edition of World Leather.
There are 26 companies making shoes in the UK, with 4.6 million pairs made in 2012 and 5.4 million in 2013.
Estimated figures for 2014 suggest there were 5.6 million pairs made – a growth of 22% in two years – and that of these, 1.3 million were of the leather, welted variety.
Around 45% of shoes were exported in 2014, rising to 54% for the welted manufacturers.
Picture: Courtesy of Crockett & Jones
