BFDT Opens 2025 Grants to Support Skills and Training Across UK Footwear Industry
The British Footwear Development Trust (BFDT) is pleased to announce that applications are now open for its 2025 Education and Training Grant Programme, aimed at supporting individuals and businesses across the UK footwear industry to access skills development and professional training.
Applications open on Wednesday 9th July and will close at midnight on Tuesday 30th September 2025.
Now in its third year, the programme comes at a time when the UK footwear industry continues to evolve. From a growing focus on sustainability to the adoption of new materials, digital processes, and changing consumer habits, businesses across the sector are adapting how they design, make, and sell footwear. These shifts are creating a greater need for up-to-date skills and training, particularly in areas such as machinery, tools, and emerging technologies.
The BFDT grant programme aims to support this development by helping more people access relevant learning opportunities, whether to build new skills, strengthen existing ones, or bring structured training into the workplace. The programme supports education and training at all levels, from entry-level learning to advanced professional development, depending on the needs of the individual or business. It is open to applicants working in all parts of the UK footwear sector, including design, development, manufacturing, retail, logistics, and repair.
There are two grant types available. Individual Grants support workers who want to update or expand their skills. These may be used for short courses, technical training, recognised qualifications, or hands-on learning. Company Grants are available for employers seeking to provide structured training for staff, whether through in-house programmes or external providers.
Grants can support a wide range of learning needs, from sustainability and innovation to more practical, technical training. This may include hands-on skills development using specialist tools or technologies, digital design platforms, or new approaches to materials, prototyping, and production. In some cases, funding may also be used to support the purchase of essential equipment or software, where it directly enables access to training or learning.
Several UK-based footwear businesses have received BFDT grants, including Fairfax & Favor. The company used its funding to support the development of its product team through targeted training aligned with the needs of its business.
“The BFDT’s education and training grant was invaluable for the footwear Product Development team at Fairfax and Favor to support continuous professional development plans,” said Sara Driscoll, Product Development Manager at Fairfax & Favor. “The grant enabled both junior and established personnel to undertake a variety of BFA courses to refresh current skills, meet like-minded professionals, embrace the latest innovations, and strengthen industry knowledge.”
Support is available throughout the application process, including for applicants with disabilities or long-term health conditions. BFDT encourages applications from all parts of the sector, including independent makers, SMEs, and those working in underrepresented or specialist areas.
Full details, including eligibility and how to apply, can be found here.
Or by emailing info@bfdt.co.uk
About the British Footwear Development Trust
The British Footwear Development Trust (BFDT) is a registered charity in England and Wales (Reg No 1197009), dedicated to supporting individuals and companies in the UK footwear industry. If you’re interested in supporting the footwear industry, the trust welcomes donations of all sizes. For more details or to make a contribution, please email us at info@bfdt.co.uk.