Northampton shoe firm calls on UK government to shop locally
The managing director of Northampton-based footwear manufacturer Tricker’s has called on the UK government to support the region’s shoe companies by buying their products rather than through financial support packages.
Martin Mason told local media that the UK government should reduce is procurement of footwear from Asia and buy more shoes and boots for public-sector workers from firms that manufacture in and around Northampton, including Tricker’s.
He said: “Northamptonshire is bursting with a skilled workforce ready to return to their place of work once the isolation restrictions are over. It’s time to seriously revisit the ‘made in UK’ proposition to create jobs, a sustainable community, fair pay, boost exports and support manufacturing.”
Tricker’s, which has been making footwear in Northampton for more than 190 years, has had to halt production for the first time in its history because of restrictions imposed by the coronavirus outbreak. “There is nothing worse than walking around a shoe factory when it’s quiet,” Mr Mason said.
