Footwear50 2024

Timeline

About Footwear50 in partnership with Expo Riva Schuh & Gardabags

Footwear50 celebrates and honours 50 individuals across eight categories within the footwear industry in 2024. The initiative is widely respected and has been embraced by the whole industry.

Chosen through an industry-wide nomination process and pared down by the BFA Board of Directors, these individuals represent the most influential and inspiring figures in the sector.

The initiative is inclusive, welcoming both BFA Members and non-members.

Footwear50 culminates in a networking reception in London, where we officially unveil the celebrated list. This event brings together industry professionals to honour their peers’ exceptional contributions, making Footwear50 a celebrated milestone in the footwear industry calendar.

List Unveiling & Networking Celebration

Join us at the Footwear50 networking event, where we’ll officially unveil the celebrated list and honour the outstanding contributions of professionals across the footwear industry.

The event, taking place in Central London on 27 November 2024, brings together industry leaders and professionals for an evening of celebration, knowledge sharing, and connection. Whether you’re part of the list or looking to network with key players in the sector, this is an unmissable occasion in the footwear industry calendar.

Footwear50 is currently fully booked. Please register below to join the waitlist, and we’ll reach out if a spot becomes available. We appreciate your interest and hope to welcome you to the event!

What are the Footwear50 Categories?

We will be spotlighting 50 people across eight categories, which are outlined below. This ensures we can include as many different types of business roles and professionals as possible. If the person you are nominating could reasonably be considered to suit one or more categories, please make that clear in your supporting statement.

When sharing on social media, please use the hashtag #Footwear50, so we can stay in the loop. If you have questions, please don’t hesitate to drop us a line at nominations@britishfootwearassociation.co.uk.

Retailers

stakeholders at multiple and independent retailers, including buyers, managing directors, business owners and sales managers

Sustainability

this category recognises those making a real difference in the footwear industry. They’re setting new standards for how we think about sustainability in our sector

Brands

brand owners, creative directors, head designers and other influential figures at leading British brands

Manufacturers

influential figures at UK manufacturing facilities and workshops, including production managers, owners and business directors

Suppliers & Wholesalers

recognising footwear sourcing companies and wholesalers running well-established and growing businesses across the UK

Design Independents

hailing from independent brands and tenacious start-ups, this category will spotlight emerging and established design talents

Footwear Supporters

individuals at companies supplying essential services to the UK footwear sector, including finance, trade show support, recruitment and more

Next Generation

individuals recognised for their innovative approach and dedication, signalling great potential for being part of the next generation of leaders shaping the future of the industry

Headline Sponsor

Expo Riva Schuh & Gardabags

Expo Riva Schuh & Gardabags is the premier international exhibition for volume footwear, leather goods, and accessories, organised by Riva del Garda Fierecongressi SpA. Featuring exhibitors from 41 countries and attracting visitors from over 100 countries, it stands out for its global reach and dynamic, multi-venue format. The fair provides a unique platform for networking, innovation, and business in a vibrant atmosphere that blends professional opportunities with a distinctive leisure experience.

Celebrating 102nd Edition of the Show.

Retailers

Buyerdock is the first to be approved by GS1 to utilise GS1 Digital Link within 2D-QR codes. This approval establishes Buyerdock as a GS1-approved partner, enabling them to generate and supply advanced 2D-QR codes to GS1 standards for brands and manufacturers globally. These codes can be printed on product packaging, meeting retailers’ in-store requirements while enhancing the consumer experience by providing instant access to comprehensive product content via a Web-app, without the need for downloads or registration.

Next Generation

We are an independent testing and research organisation. We accredit laboratories, design, manufacture and install test equipment, and provide production efficiency solutions to customers around the world. Our philosophy is that products can be safer, more durable and perform better through the application of research and innovation in collaboration with business. Our vision is that wherever you are in the world, you will find products enhanced by SATRA technical expertise.

Brands

We’re ReBound, the leading omnichannel returns management specialist. Through a combination of global logistics, advanced returns technology, and sustainable thinking, we’re revolutionizing returns all over the world. We focus on making returns smart, scalable, and simple so that you can focus on growth while offering a sustainable, world-class returns experience to your consumers across the globe.

Manufacturers

The heritage of GORAL ensures that each pair of shoes and trainers uses premium materials.

Our traditional method of crafting footwear is the same as it was over 80 years ago. The last pair of hands which touches the footwear before the customer, is the craftsmen who made the footwear. Aside from being handcrafted, each item is quality checked by the GORAL craftsmen.

Design Independents

Streathers is a growing, boutique London law firm. We help footwear businesses navigate the key legal issues you face across all stages in your life cycle: from setting up a new footwear business and initial fundraising right through to business sales and exits, plus everything in between (commercial contracts, joint ventures, commercial property, employment issues, etc).

We love building long term relationships with our clients and becoming your trusted strategic adviser. As part of the personal service we offer, we will take the time to learn about your business, your strategy and objectives and any challenges you may be facing.

Sustainability

Covation Bio | PDO is a Loudon, Tennessee-based producer of 100% plant-based 1,3-propanediol, formerly known as DuPont Tate & Lyle Biobased Covation Bio | PDO, based in Loudon, Tennessee, produces 100% plant-based 1,3-propanediol, formerly known as DuPont Tate & Lyle Biobased Solutions. Derived from dent corn sugar, their Susterra® and Zemea® propanediol reduce petroleum reliance across industries, from thermoplastics in footwear to cosmetics. This biotechnology enables better-performing products with an improved environmental profile, using carbon from regeneratively farmed, renewable dent corn in the US Midwest.

Suppliers & Wholesalers

We specialise in providing international transportation services, to and from all points in the world, via air, ocean and road. Our comprehensive global network has been established to meet our customers’ ever-changing needs. Few companies are better positioned to help importers and exporters capitalise on the trends that drive the global economy. RIF Worldwide Plc is committed to helping customers achieve their operational and financial objectives through continually offering better, faster and more cost-efficient services.

Footwear Supporters

We make a positive difference to employers and their staff by providing outstanding HR support. Our approach is based on being proactive and providing straightforward HR advice; after all life is complicated enough so HR doesn’t need to be. Whether you’re a start-up or an established businesses, we enjoy working with clients who value their employees and the contribution they make to the success of their organisation.