NEWS Shah Nawaz Khan - Student of the Year 2017
foot fit is the most important, both during development and in store. We make footwear in 5 fittings, C, D, E, EE, EEE, as it is an important aspect of the sale and Hotter customers are truly appreciative both of the service and choice available. My footwear career started in Leicester in 1977 where I started as a van
driver. After 6 months I progressed to Sample Chaser at a company called Gidley Wright Footwear in Sanvey Gate. I studied shoemaking on day release for several years gaining various qualifications i.e. B tech, NEBBS and CFI. I am proud to have worked for K-swiss in China. I had many wonderful
Shah Nawaz Khan is the Society of Shoe Fitters 'Student of the Year 2017'.
President Rosemary Gray said; 'Some years it is easy to choose a winner and others more difficult, but Shah was a worthy winner and I was delighted to give him his Award at the Datateam Footwear Awards Dinner'. Shah was mentored by Maureen Unsworth, Senior Tutor for the S.S.F. and Maureen said that despite having some outstanding students last year, she was not surprised Shah was chosen to receive the award. As well as having his name added to the main trophy (see picture),
Shah received a smaller version to keep, a crystal keepsake from Datateam and a fabulous, personalised Valet Box courtesy of Kevin Burton, Sales Director of Dasco Dunkelman. It really was a winning night for Shah as he also won the Red & Black competition and scooped the coveted two tickets for Wembley. Directors of Hotter were quick to congratulate him on the night and say
how proud of him they are. Shah is a modest man, but when asked for his thoughts he said 'This has been one of the best nights of my life. Even though I have been in the industry over 40 years, the course filled various gaps in my knowledge. Everyone who works in the industry really ought to pursue the course. It is impossible to know everything, but this course really is interesting and informative and helps a lot however long you have worked with footwear'. Shah is a man of great experience. He tells us: I have clocked up just over 40 years in the trade, working all over the world. This is my 12th year at Hotter, which is a great place to work as the
years working for Ecco in Denmark, and Lloyd Shoes in Germany where my job titles varied – Consultant, Product developer, Technical Engineer, Constructor etc. I also had a short spell at Clarks in Street and Ilminster, Somerset. I have always been interested in development work and have never looked back, I have enjoyed my footwear career. I had naturally learnt a lot about fitting in the industry, but most importantly from the Society of Shoefitters recently. I would happily recommend this course to all people, who have anything to do with making and selling footwear. Not only is it very educating, but also very necessary, for both the shoe makers and retailers/sellers. People need to take care of the feet from an early age. A lot of people who
ignored the importance in their early years are now suffering the consequences. I believe the importance of foot fitting has come back round full circle, and this is reflected in the shops and sales. Life has become so fast that it is not only necessary, but also healthy to have correctly fitted footwear. It is a better option than to regularly visit the chiropodist for painful feet and I think more and more mothers are now realising the importance of professional foot fitting and mending their ways, and I speak from personal experiences. I cannot emphasize and stress enough on the importance of having feet
fitted professionally, most specially of children. It reminds me of the quote, " WHAT YOU SOW, SO SHALL YOU REAP ", and that is making the parents of today reflect back to how they took care of their feet’. Shah is obviously a worthy winner!
For more information about the Society of Shoe Fitters go to their website:
www.shoefitters-uk.org or email
secretary@shoefitters-uk.org
Heidi Darlow, Head of Design for Norwich based Florida Group Ltd (TFG) has won The Worshipful Company of Pattenmakers Young Manager Award 2018.
Heidi was chosen from a strong field of footwear candidates following a judging process overseen by a panel of industry experts. Nominated by Claire Farmer, Product Director
at TFG, Heidi said: “ I was thrilled to be nominated for this award but to win is something else. Working for Florida and to lead design for an established brand like Van Dal is incredibly rewarding but to be recognised for doing it is just so exciting.” As part of the award she will receive a bespoke,
professional development program from the Worshipful Company along with a cash bursary donated by the Paice Memorial Bursary. The Worshipful Company of Pattenmakers has
run its Young Manager Award Scheme for over 25 years and has supported many individuals with their career development over that time. This year’s judging panel was chaired by Jane Wilson, Managing Partner at Moot Consulting, and supported by Stephen Etheridge, Chairman of
8 • FOOTWEAR TODAY • MARCH/APRIL 2018
Church’s, both senior footwear industry figures and members of the Pattenmakers’ Company. Speaking of Heidi’s entry, chair of the judging
panel, Jane Wilson said: “We are thrilled to have her as our winner. She is a confident, well presented and mature individual. She was articulate, polished with a big picture feel for the market and market opportunities. She is clear on her ambitions and committed to a future in the Footwear industry.” Claire Farmer, Product Director at TFG added:
“We would like to congratulate Heidi on this fantastic achievement. I am delighted that she has been recognised with this prestigious award. She is a warm, wonderfully talented and enthusiastic designer with a very real passion for shoes. We are very proud to have her as part of our team here at The Florida Group.” The Lord Mayor locum tenens Ald Lord
Mountevans presented Heidi with her award at the annual dinner of the Pattenmakers’
Company’s held at the Mansion House. She will be supported by the Company throughout 2018. She will also receive the Freedom of the Livery with the opportunity to apply for the Freedom of the City of London at a later stage.
www.footweartoday.co.uk
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