NEWS
No end in sight for Chinese inflation
Complicating price negotiations with Chinese suppliers, the Chinese yuan
went above 6.6 to the dollar in mid January for the first time since 1993 amid indications that the Chinese government wants to use its appreciation as an anti-inflationary measure. However, the cost of labour, which is becoming more scarce in the shoe manufacturing sector, seems bound to increase further in the next months and years.
Reports indicate that the Chinese government is trying to put some
order into wage negotiation between employers and their staff in order to reduce the number of labour conflicts, which increased by 12% to 406,000 last year. The Communist Party wants to ensure that all Chinese companies are involved in collective wage negotiations in concern with the unions within three years.
There are more than two million firms that have collective wage
contracts now in China and their employees’ wages are between 10 and 15% higher than those offered by other companies, according to a French newspaper. A recent study by Credit Suisse products average annual wage increases of 19% in China for the next five years, following major increases in the cost of food and housing.
www.shoeintelligence.com
A Folding Shoe Fit For A Princess
To celebrate the royal nuptials soon to take place,
Redfood – creators of the original folding shoe – have designed the limited edition Princess shoe, available from April.
As with all Redfoot shoes, the Princess is made with a patented split-sole. It is hardwearing and durable, yet folds completely in half, making it the perfect accessory for any bride who doesn’t want aching feet to ruin her big day – or anyone wanting to celebrate the wedding of the century in style.
The shoe is made from a delicate white satin
and features a carefully created knot embellishment.
The insides and sole are decorated with a
flash of royal blue. Beautifully presented in a Redfoot box, it
comes complete with its own small silk storage pouch. RRP £35
www.redfootshoes.com
BFA’s Made in Britain Initiative Showcases at Moda
The British Footwear Association (BFA) takes its Made in Britain initiative
to the next stage with four of the participating companies in the project being showcased at the UK’s national footwear event – Moda Footwear. Moda and the BFA have sponsored a Made in Britain Stand, especially
created by top stand designer Leyshons. The BFA MiB Stand features NPS Footwear, Chancery Footwear, Geo-Sol Shoes and William Lennon. These companies are already capturing business from both UK and overseas brands keen to have the coveted “Made in Britain” label on their shoes. Visitors to the BFA MiB Stand will be able to view the wide variety of products these companies produce – from upscale dressy ladies shoes to authentic work boots and welted and casual menswear. Additionally there will be other brands whose production is based in this
country and who are also enjoying the buzz from the current enthusiasm for Made in Britain – helped by the weakness of Sterling and the escalating costs of imported goods. Both Richard Kottler, Chief Executive of the BFA and Sean O’Connor,
Moda Event Director, are proud to be raising the profile of British made footwear and to bring customers from the home market and elsewhere into contact with quality products designed and manufactured in the UK. Richard Kottler commented “the collections on display, whilst diverse, all
are made to high standards, often with locally sourced components and lasts.” Sean O’Connor added: “I think we all know the value of products that are made in Britain, but to date not all of our home-grown manufacturers have the deserved recognition of the major British brands.”
6 • FOOTWEAR TODAY • FEBRUARY 2011
The British Footwear Association Sets Out The Programme For Technical Training
The BFA Foundation course in Footwear Technology was successfully launched in August and, in response to demand, a detailed programme has been published stretching to the end of 2011. The course is open to trainees employed by BFA member companies and
aspects of the course have also been made available to other specific footwear companies on both the supply and retail side of the industry. Richard Kottler, Chief Executive of the BFA commented “ we are delighted that this important project created by the industry for the industry has taken off. Many companies have put their money where their mouths are and have nominated trainees for either the full or parts of the course.” Much of the training is being provided by carefully chosen external
organisations such as SATRA, BLC, Leatherwise and De Montfort University, whilst practical input is coming from factory visits, sessions at Springline (the remaining UK manufacturer of lasts) and talks from industry experts on the supply chain and costings.
Full details are on the BFA website
www.britfoot.com under the Training menu.
www.footweartoday.co.uk
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