NEWS Trade Shows
UKFT announces increased funding for trade shows The UK Fashion & Textile Association (UKFT) has announced a dramatic
increase in funding for UK exporters to take part in key international trade shows. In the financial year 2013/4 and 2014/5, UKFT has received a commitment from UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) to almost double the amount of money available. Grants for European shows will increase from £1000 to £1500 per show
and exhibitors at key US shows will see grants almost double to £2000. For shows in Europe and the US, UK SME companies will have a lifetime allocation of 6 grant supported shows. In addition, for shows in emerging markets, such as China, Hong Kong and Russia, companies will be eligible for a further 6 grants and for these markets the grants will range from £2500 to £3000. Paul Alger, Director of International Business Development at UKFT says
this is great news for exporters: “We have been lobbying Government for many years to maintain the Tradeshow Access Programme but this is the first time we have seen an increase in the money being allocated to the scheme. And what an increase! It is wonderful news that the Government has listened to our case and allocated additional funding to this vital scheme”. Not only have the grants been increased, the list of shows for which
grants will be available has also expanded. Grants will be available to cover most key EU and US shows including Paris Fashion Week, still the most important international showcase for over 300 UK designers, Curve Lingerie New York, and many others. Now, UKFT is offering grants for CPM Moscow in August and beyond as well as The Hub, a new menswear event for the Asian market in Hong Kong, and CHIC in Beijing in March 2014. Alger says: “There has never been a better time for UK fashion and
textiles to look at new shows and markets. In particular, the grants we can now offer companies for shows in Russia, China and Hong Kong are the most generous we have had for almost 20 years.”
For more information on trade shows or grants contact Paul Alger, email:
paul.alger@
ukft.org
Crocs post double-digit sales growth Crocs reported first-quarter revenues of $311.7 million, up 14.7% on the
first quarter of 2012, or 16.5% higher on a constant-currency basis. The record performance was attributed by the company to innovate
products, the success of the company’s multi-channel strategy and the global reach of its business. During the quarter, the US based shoe producer registered strong sell-in of its spring and summer line to its wholesale accounts globally and solid initial sell-through in its own retail channel. The Asia-Pacific segment was a key component in the positive sales performance during the quarter. The company posted net income of $29.0 million in the quarter, compared
with $28.3 million for the same period a year ago. Results include total expenses of £1.8 million relating to the implementation of a new ERP system, including non-cash accelerated depreciation and cash expenses for programme management, training and other non-capitalised costs. Adjusting for these non-operating items, the company had a net income of $30.8 million in the quarter.
"The articles above are extracted from Shoe Intelligence, the international business publication on the footwear market. If you want to receive a full sample issue or ask for a free trial, please send an e-mail to
sampleft@edmpublications.com."
Standing proud, striding on and looking for great designers
From quintessentially vintage brogues through to bright, bold sixties-style
wedges, heritage fashion has never shone more brightly, all around the world. And when it comes to British heritage footwear, one name says it all: Clarks. Gone are the days of the brand just being associated with school shoes and loafers, Clarks has shattered misconceptions and sprinted proudly from strength to strength. With everyone from Florence Welch to Robert Pattison sporting their shoes and collaborations with the likes of Eley Kishimoto, the 200-year old shoe brand has never been cooler. What was once a little village shoemakers is now the UK’s leading
footwear brand; an international success story with 50 million pairs sold each year, nine-figure profits soaring and a turnover of £1.5 billion. They’re flying the flag on every continent with 50% of profits coming from global markets. In an economic climate where many British brands are struggling to stand up in the UK alone, Clarks’ achievements are no mean feat. A well and truly global brand they may be, Clarks have stayed true to their
historic values. They’ve challenged themselves constantly but refused to compromise on the excellence of quality, comfort and fit. Home is still very much where the heart is, with shoes being designed in the Somerset factory where it all began. Clarks is the UK’s only footwear company with a last- making facility in their headquarters, here, you’ll also find an archive of all their shoes and advanced 3D modelling prototyping technology. Internationally, they also have an innovative design house in Boston. Right now, they’re looking for talented designers to drive their future
success. If you’re a designer with a stylish handwriting and an inspiring portfolio, please see
www.pinterest.com/designatclarks to find out more about what Clarks can offer. Creative Director, Paulo Gabrielli commented: “Consumer feedback from around the world tells us that Clarks’ sense of
style is winning more and more admirers every day. Our designers’ vision and Clarks’ extraordinary heritage come together in perfect harmony. The results take our style credentials to an even more exciting level.”
The Society of Shoe Fitters 53rd AGM London
The Society of Shoe Fitters recently held its 53rd
AGM in London. The Society would like to thank Jan Parry of Parry Shoes, Haverfordwest, S. Wales, for completing her two year term in office as President so successfully. Jan helped to drive forward the SSF Infant Fitting Gauges and the recent National Shoe Fitting Week - Keep Feet Fit as well as a great supporter of the Footwear Awards, which aimed to recognise the smaller people within the footwear industry. All notable landmark's in the colourful SSF history.
Our voluntary Council of 10 shoe trade professionals
(made up of stalwarts from the industry and one or two quite new to the trade) will be headed for the next two years by Ellie Dickins of Ellie Dickins Shoes from Hungerford, Berkshire and the new Vice President is Prof. Wesley Vernon OBE Phd - NHS Head of Podiatry Services, Sheffield - particularly noted for his work in forensic medicine.
Tel: +44 (0)1953 851171
www.shoefitters-uk.org Email:
secretary@shoefitters-uk.org
4 • FOOTWEAR TODAY • JUNE/JULY 2013
www.footweartoday.co.uk
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