UK: Leathersellers’ Award offers studio space and business support
UK-based leather workers are invited to apply for three years of business support and subsidised studio space at Cockpit Studios Deptford, through an award sponsored by the Leathersellers’ Company.
The heavily subsidised space in a shared studio for one year is worth up to £5,600 with further support in years two (£3,400) and three (£2,200). Electricity costs, insurance and office service charges will be payable on top.
They will also have access to the Leather Hub, housing leather working equipment for shared use by awardees. The space includes a hot foil machine, a manual leather splitter, a leather skiver, a clicking press, edge polisher and guillotine.
Business support includes on-site coaching and workshops.
Applicants must have already established a market for their work and have a record of commitment to working in leather; pay for their own public liability and contents insurance; and must be living in the UK and entitled to remain in the UK for the period of the award.
Charlie Laurie, a leatherworker who has benefited from the Cockpit social enterprise, said: “I have gained a massive amount from Cockpit. Since starting in 2016, they have given me the confidence to be able to run a business properly and also grow. I feel I have come a long way and will be forever grateful for the support I have received from all involved.”
The Leathersellers’ Company is one of the ancient Livery Companies of the City of London, ranked fifteenth in the order of precedence. It was founded by royal charter in 1444 with authority to control the sale of leather within the City. The company no longer has this regulatory role, and instead devotes its energies to support for charity, education and the British leather trade.
Applications close on April 4.
Image: Current awardee Yusuf Osman
