NEWS Using his wealth of experience in the shoe trade, David Price was able to


Chatham launches Summer 2014 collection at MODA 11-13 August 2013: Hall S9 Stand 20


Chatham will launch its summer 2014 footwear collection at MODA.


The collection includes a new G2 “barefoot” sole unit, leveraging the success of Chatham’s G2 footwear, which features a unique two year guarantee. The “barefoot” sole is anatomically shaped, which moulds and curves to your feet - it feels like you aren’t wearing shoes at all. Featuring natural shock absorbing properties and a sophisticated water drainage system, the barefoot sole unit is extremely lightweight and has a mesh upper.


For women, Chatham is launching vibrant deck shoes with a concealed


wedge and on-trend nautical styling. Continuing Chatham’s innovative use of sail cloth this year, the brand is launching new brighter, bolder coloured sailcloth ladies deck shoes.


Chatham’s classic deck shoe, Deck, has been updated for the season with


bright coloured soles and extra soft leathers. Also new is a men’s technical leather waterproof sailing boot, boasting hi-visibility binding, breathable bamboo lining, adjustable straps and a moulded contoured sock.


Philip Marsh, Managing Director of Chatham, says, “Nautical styling and the popularity of deck shoes looks set to continue well into the 2014 season. In this new collection we have focused on the use of innovative materials to enable a variety of products to be available at different price points – a reflection of the current trend for customers to splurge on some items and save on others.


“By taking this approach, Chatham will appeal to a wide customer base and the retailer can choose from a selection of price points according to their own audience demographic, providing an opportunity for even greater growth in our key summer business.”


For trade orders please call 0845 2700 217 or email: orders@chatham-marine.co.uk Web: www.chatham-marine.co.uk


Cosyfeet celebrate 30 years in business


Cosyfeet, who specialise in footwear for people with swollen and extra-


wide feet, are celebrating 30 years in business this year. The company puts its success down to its ability to the adapt its extra wide EEEEE+ footwear styles to meet the needs of an ever more fashion conscious customer base.


Typical Cosyfeet customers include elderly people with swollen feet and


diabetes, plus an increasing number of younger sufferers due to the increase in obesity. Cosyfeet was started in Bristol by a husband and wife team who realised


the great need that existed for extra roomy footwear. Initially they launched just three shoe styles using a back bedroom as an office and a garage as a warehouse. The business was a success and in 1991 it was bought by David Price, a former manager with Street-based Clarks shoes.


For more information contact Wholesale Manager John Negus on 01458 449075 or 07730 527942 or email johnn@footshopltd.co.uk


Online apprenticeship applications and vacancies set new records


• Almost 370,000 applications made online in three months • New tools for employers to hire apprentices launched


According to new figures released by the National Apprenticeship Service,


almost 370,000 Apprenticeship applications were submitted online between February and April 2013 (Academic Year Q3 2012/13). This represents growth of over 32%, when compared to the same period last year. In the Retail and Commercial Enterprise sector, the number of


Apprenticeship applications has increased significantly (over 45%) - 54180 (Q3 2012/13) up from 37250 (Q3 2011/12). The number of vacancies in the sector has also increased but only by 10.86% (5664 up from 5109), resulting in a higher ratio of applications to vacancies (9.57 up from 7.29). Matthew Hancock MP, Skills Minister, said: "With more vacancies than ever


before, Apprenticeships are fast becoming the norm for young people who want to achieve their career goals through an alternative route to University. We want more employers to take advantage of the advice and support available from the National Apprenticeship Service and consider how hiring an apprentice could benefit their business." Two new guides to hiring an apprentice have been developed in response


to Jason Holt's Review of Apprenticeships and are designed to encourage employers, especially small and medium sized businesses, take on an apprentice. Through apprenticeships.org.uk, employers can access:


• A small and medium sized employers guide to hiring an apprentice • A large employer toolkit to help set up Apprenticeships in an organisation


Jason Holt, entrepreneur and author of the Holt Review, said: "It is vital


that we do more to demonstrate how all employers can grow their own workforce through Apprenticeships. For smaller businesses, this is even more crucial as apprentices help improve productivity while reducing costs." David Way, Executive Director of the National Apprenticeship Service said:


"The National Apprenticeship Service aims to make it really easy for employers to hire an apprentice. The launch of these new online employer tools will further enhance the service we already offer employers - whatever their size and whatever their needs. For SMEs there is also the added incentive of £1500, to assist them in the recruitment of apprentices."


Visit apprenticeships.org.uk for more information. 4 • FOOTWEAR TODAY • AUGUST 2013 www.footweartoday.co.uk


expand the business at its current location in Street. He placed great emphasis on developing and improving styles based on customer feedback, creating shoes that fitted well, offered support and comfort, and were aesthetically pleasing. In 2011, having nurtured the business for 20 years, David Price sold


Cosyfeet to its Executive Board, who together have over 30 years combined experience working with the company. Cosyfeet is now led by Managing Director Andrew Peirce, who has an


evolution not revolution approach to the business. “The Company is a good one, made up of many excellent & committed


people,” says Andrew Peirce. “We’ve weathered the recent challenging economic conditions well and we’re excited about the future.” Peirce goes on to say, “Looking ahead we intend to uphold the company’s


core values of excellent product and first class customer service.” Cosyfeet was the first British company to make footwear for people with


swollen feet. Thirty years on it still offers the biggest range of extra roomy shoes and slippers on the market.


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