NEWS


Gardiners Bros and Footsure expand European footprint with acquisition of Dubois


G


ardiner Bros & Co (Leathers) Ltd and Footsure Western Ltd have announced the acquisition of Dubois, a renowned


distributor of quality footwear across Europe. Founded in 1951 by Jean Dubois, the Brussels-


based third generation family enterprise has emerged as the official distributor of esteemed footwear and apparel brands including Aigle, CAT Footwear, Dickies, Berghen, and Gant. With a keen focus on building strong consumer relationships and nurturing long-term visions, the company has established itself as a trusted partner for successful distribution across Europe, catering to both retail and e-commerce needs. This acquisition marks a step forward


for Gloucester-based Gardiners Group and a significant expansion into Europe. Both teams are well-positioned to leverage shared expertise, enhance operational capabilities, and expanded market presence, whilst preserving the character and cultural identity that they’ve become known for. Dubois will be immediately adding Timberland Pro, Hard Yakka, Amblers Safety, and Base London to its growing portfolio. James Gardiner, CEO of Gardiner Bros, said:


“Expanding into the European market alongside a trusted partner like Dubois significantly strengthens our position as the go-to supplier


that unites trusted brands and retailers. We’re bringing together two highly complementary businesses grounded with deep consumer understanding and shared values. At the core of our partnership is our mutual dedication to fostering authentic long-term relationships with our customers and a shared ambition to place sustainability and ethical practices at the


The Worshipful Company of Cordwainers announces its 2025 Footwear Awards winners


T


he 2025 Cordwainers Footwear Awards took place earlier this month, celebrating emerging


student talent and excellence in the footwear industry. The annual awards saw 15 student finalists


from the London College of Fashion, De Montfort University, the University of Northampton, the Royal College of Art and Central Saint Martins competing to win the coveted Cordwainers Footwear Award trophy. This year, the top honour was awarded


jointly to two students, Dexter Liang from De Montfort University and Meriem El Ouarrad from the London College of Fashion, both of which offered unique takes on sneakers. As joint winners, both students were awarded the top prize of £3,000 each. As well as this, the Cordwainers Footwear


Awards also celebrated student talent across sustainable development, and the


Sustainable Development Award was won by Geun Ko from Central Saint Martins, who presented a modular basketball shoe featuring interchangeable 3D-printed parts, allowing users to customise, repair, and extend its lifespan while promoting sustainability and reducing waste.


forefront of our mission.” CEO of Dubois, Jean-Jacques


Vankeerberghen, added: “This is a fantastic opportunity for the company to grow its business with existing and new brands across the whole of Europe. Our shared values are important to me as we progress the integration of the two historical family businesses.”


The Sneaker/Athleisure Award was presented


to China Blackstock-Brown from the University of Northampton for her ‘Dystopian Dreams’ collection, and the new prize celebrating MA students, the Stuart Weitzman Award for the Best MA Entry, was won by Akina Tsutsumi from the Royal College of Art, for her approach to a cold weather boot for travel. The 2025 awards saw the inaugural Craft


of Shoemaking Award for 2025, sponsored by Carréducker, to promote excellence in the heritage and endangered craft of handsewn shoemaking in the UK. This prize was won by Caleb Smyth for his ‘Misfits’ boots. And lastly, this year’s awards also recognised


international footwear designer and professor, Jimmy Choo, for his outstanding contribution to footwear with the Sue Saunders Award for Excellence. On receiving the honour, Mr Choo said:


“I accept this award not just for myself, but for everyone who believes in the beauty of handmade work, for every apprentice learning to stitch their first upper, and for the wonderful Cordwainer family who continue to honour and protect this beautiful craft.”


6 • FOOTWEAR TODAY • JUNE 6


DOWNLOAD THE FOOTWEAR TODAY APP NOW SPONSORED BY


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56