BFA unveils new mentoring programme

The British Footwear Association, the industry body

for the footwear industry, has announced the winner's of its inaugural Accelerated Development Programme, which aims to aid already successful companies in “managing their growth” and to help “create opportunities of further success“.

Building on the mentoring scheme it already offers, the BFA has announced that ethical footwear brand Beyond Skin, men's footwear brand Northern Cobbler, and women's shoe designers Joanne Stoker and Zoe Lee are the first recipients of its new initiative.

The companies were selected following an interview process and beat off competition from some of the best emerging footwear brands in the country, and will be partnered with senior mentors from across the industry in order to help them "maximise their potential and accelerate towards profitable growth".

Commenting on the scheme, Richard Kottler, CEO of the BFA, said: "The introduction of this new level to our existing mentoring and advisory service will enhance the chances of these four brilliant brands firmly establishing themselves more successfully on international markets.

"Our carefully chosen and trained Mentors will be matched with each of the participating companies and I am sure we will see positive results during 2013 and onwards.”