Wednesday, October 18th was the night that the Footwear Industry celebrated a new generation of emerging talent.
Both the leaders of the industry and a host of new talented designers of developing brands celebrated at the LICC, St. Peter’s Church in Central London. The annual event, now firmly implanted in the industry’s calendar, was not only to celebrate the awards but also an opportunity to raise funds for Footwear Friends, the industry charity.
The Footwear Friends Annual Awards are now in their 11th year and in that time have been recognised by the trade as an important way of spotting and rewarding British talent in the Footwear Industry.
Bimble was awarded a £5,000 bursary aimed at developing a Young Designer’s business. The award is generously sponsored by the Worshipful Company of Cordwainers and includes a 12-months mentoring programme by industry experts. The Master Cordwainer, Patrick Peal, presented this year’s award.
Bethany Jarroussié of Bimble says:
“We are truly honoured to be recognised in this years’ Footwear Friends awards. To be judged by a panel of industry heavyweights and awarded first prize is a dream come true. We know that we are offering a unique alternative to mainstream shoes for first walkers, and we are encouraged that our vision for the Bimble brand was shared by the judges. We are very grateful to Footwear Friends and the Worshipful Company of Cordwainers for this opportunity and we are excited for the future of our brand.”
This year has seen an increase in applicants, and the judges were impressed by the great response by candidates for the competition who all put a great deal of work into their business plans and presentations.
The event was sponsored by Clarks International, Colvanbridge Ltd., Dune, Pavers Ltd, Pentland Brands, Schuh Ltd., Start-rite Shoes Ltd., The University of Northampton and the William Lamb Group.
For further information on Footwear Friends: www.footwearfriends.org.uk