The eighth Footwear Friends Annual Awards were held at St. Mary at Hill Church in Eastcheap, London on the 6th November. The Awards recognise the extraordinary entrepreneurial talent emerging in the footwear industry.
The winners in the various categories were:
The Worshipful Company of Cordwainers Award for Innovation:
Rollasole Ltd. was awarded a £ 5,000 bursary aimed at developing a Young Designer’s business. The Award was generously sponsored by the livery company and includes a 12-month mentoring programme by industry experts. The Master of the Worshipful Company of Cordwainers, Lance Shaw, presented Managing Director of Rollasole Ltd., Matt Horan with the prize.
The Micro-Pak Ltd. Award:
This Award of £ 2,500 plus 12-months mentoring programme was presented to Solillas by Steve Bracewell and sponsored by Micro-Pak Ltd. Jonathan Matthew, Managing Director of the business was present to receive his award.
The Meltzer Travel Award
This year’s award went to Dear Frances. The Award of £ 750 is primarily to assist candidates in attending key Trade Shows and researching materials and trends. Donated by Philip Meltzer in memory of Joe Meltzer. Again this Award includes a mentoring programme. The Award was presented to business partners Jane Cunneen and Scott O’Connor by Georgina Goodman.
The BFA/FN PLATFORM Award for Export Potential
The 2014 Award went to Solillas. The BFA/FN PLATFORM Award winner is given the opportunity to show their emerging brand on a sponsored stand at the USA’s premier footwear show. – FN PLATFORM at Magic in Las Vegas.
