As part of emita’s winter programme of events, we are pleased to offer our members the opportunity to visit Loake Shoemakers in Kettering.

The Loake family has been producing fine, handmade men’s footwear since 1880, when three brothers – Thomas, John and William – opened a factory in Northamptonshire in the heart of the English shoemaking industry. The aim was to provide the most handsome, comfortable and durable gentlemen’s shoe possible.

Today, more than 125 years and five generations later, Loake is still family owned and operating in the same Northamptonshire town. Their shoes have become a favourite with discerning customers worldwide and are exported to over 30 countries.

Loake is most famous for its Goodyear Welted footwear, which takes eight weeks to produce. Some 130 skilled craftspeople, up to 75 shoe parts and approximately 200 different operations are involved.

The visit will take place on Wednesday 2 December at 09h00 and we have arranged an interesting programme for the morning as follows:

09h00    Registration and refreshments

09h30    Factory tour, beginning with short video introduction

11h00    Case study presentation – Loake’s Export Success

11h15    Question and answer session

11h30    Close

Interested in attending? If so, please register online, email Elizabeth at emita@emd.org.uk or phone her on 0115 947 1767.

Our host can only accommodate 15 guests, so bookings will be accepted on a first come, first served basis.