NEWS Crosby Shoe Agencies


launches new trade initiative for The University of Northampton student participation in F


ootwear T rade Shows - in collaboration with Footwear T


Thanks to a new trade initiative launched this season by footwear agent Gus Marshall in collaboration with Footwear Today Magazine, three Footwear & Accessories students – Helen Kirkum, Anna Ritchie and Sianne Smart - from The University of Northampton, joined the Crosby Shoe Agencies team on their stand at the Moda Show.


Gus Marshall told Footwear Today: “All the students were incredibly helpful across the three days. They were keen to see how the industry works and enthusiastic to learn all they could. They were fantastic ambassadors for Northampton University and it shows the work that is done there, when they were able to slide straight into conversation with retailers and guide them through the ranges, talking about an array of different topics from trends and leathers to production procedures etc.


“I was fortunate with my introduction to the industry through family links and I feel it is imperative for the industry to support the next generation coming through. I will be continuing this scheme going forward and for any other agencies or companies that would be interested in supporting the university please feel free to get in touch.”


Whilst attending Moda last month, I met up with the three 3rd year students, who are studying for their BA Hons in Fashion, Textiles/Footwear & Accessories at The University of Northampton. Their obvious enthusiasm and positive comments about their experiences at the show, speak for themselves:


“The day at Moda gave an interesting insight into the way the fashion industry works behind the scenes! It was a very worthwhile experience which I thoroughly enjoyed!” Sianne Smart


''Fantastic experience to see Gus Marshall's successful business in action, also being given a warm welcome and be encouraged by the team at Mjus. It was inspiring being in an atmosphere of a big commercial footwear network.'' Anna Ritchie


“Working with Gus and the team on the Crosby shoe agencies stand was both a new and exciting experience. It was a great hands on day learning how buyers work and create capsule collections for their retailers. Gus and the team referred to me for colour and trend advice when talking with potential clients, which made me not only feel confident and knowledgeable in my field, but also a valued member of the team.


oday Magazine


“The buyers have to appeal to their customer through a snap shot capsule collection, hearing them pick apart the designs, saying things like “she wouldn’t wear that” made me realise the importance of the customer profiling work we do at the University of Northampton.” Helen Kirkum


Senior Lecturer BA Hons F T


extiles/F ashion, ootwear & Accessories, Northampton


University, Janes Mills, said:“Footwear students at The University of Northampton are extremely fortunate in that they benefit from the unrivalled support from the footwear industry. At all levels from design to manufacture our students have access to some of the world’s leading footwear brands. Initiatives and collaborations with industry like this continue to enhance the student experience and help them gain real work life industry knowledge and experience. Anna, Helen and Sianne are final year students and really enjoyed working on the Crosby stand with Gus and found the experience hugely beneficial and presented the students with a great opportunity to network.


Crosby Shoe Agencies


Info@crosbyshoeagencies.co.uk www.crosbyshoeagencies.co.uk


BFA News:Winners announced for “Super” Mentoring Programme The British Footwear Association


(BFA) is delighted to announce the winners of its second Accelerated Development Programme. This followed on a hugely successful first edition last year when Beyond Skin, Laidback London, CocoRose London and Northern Cobbler all made real progress as a result of the experience.


Richard Kottler CEO BF


A 4 • FOOTWEAR TODAY • MARCH 2014 ,


This annual scheme is designed to add a further dimension to the BFA mentoring services by channelling expert help and advice to companies who have a substantial chance of becoming important players in the footwear industry.


The companies were selected


after an interview process from a shortlist of some of the best emerging Footwear Brands in the country, who are members of the BFA. The selected companies are: Govan Originals, Gothenburg Boots.They will be individually matched with a trained Senior Mentor drawn from the industry to help them maximise their potential and accelerate towards profitable growth.


Richard Kottler, CEO of the BFA,


commented “last year, we saw the introduction of this new level to our existing mentoring and advisory


British Footwear Association Ltd Tel: +44 (0) 1933 229005


Web: www.britishfootwearassociation.co.uk www.footweartoday.co.uk


service really enhanced the chances of these selected brands of firmly establishing themselves more successfully on international markets. Our carefully chosen and trained Mentors will again be matched with each of the participating companies and I am sure we will see positive results during 2014 and onwards.”


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