New president for British Leather Confederation
Reg Hankey, managing director of Pittard’s Glove Leather Division, has been appointed as President of the British Leather Confederation (BLC) Leather Technology Centre.
Based in Northampton, BLC is a global trade and technical support association for tanners and allied industries. With members from over 40 countries, it offers a range of services including problem solving and specific research and technical assistance. It also covers health, safety and managerial issues.
Mr Hankey (45), based at Pittards’ Yeovil factory, brings with him exceptional experience from all areas of the leather industry. He is Chairman of the Leather Industry Advisory Committee of University College Northampton; a non-executive Director of the British Leather Federation; a member of the Council of the British Leather Confederation and Chairman of the Leather Industry Advisory Committee. He has won a number of awards including the Worshipful Company of Saddlers’ Award, the Leathersellers’ Company Prize and the British Chrome Tanning Prize. Mr Hankey is also committed to training and is a City & Guilds examiner; a Fellow of the Institute of Management and a Subject Specialist Assessor for the Quality Assurance Agency.
Mr Hankey says he is honoured by his appointment and is looking forward to helping the BLC develop further in his two year term of office.
He said: "The new technical leathers are some of the most exciting developments in material advancement in recent times, bringing with them the benefits of high science and traditional natural product."
"The popularity of leather in clothing, sports and general goods has never been higher, and while it is inevitable that over the years there will be certain setbacks in specific areas, long-term the prospects for the leather industry are looking better than ever before."
