Northampton, UK - The Institute for Creative Leather Technologies (ICLT), the final incarnation of the combined University of Northampton’s Leather Department and the National Leathersellers’ College, will probably close soon.
Many of Africa’s top tanners studied at one or other of those institutions.

In a letter to Professor Will Wise, who is research lead at the ICLT, but sent to him as president of the Society of Leather Technologists & Chemists (SLTC), University of Northampton (UON) vice chancellor Professor Anne-Marie Kilday wrote that “a new strategy” would be published in October.

She said the UON had “cross subsidised” the ICLT for several years, but that “it has now entered a period of internal consultation to determine the future of leather education and research against a backdrop of a fall in student demand, economic downturn, and rising energy prices”.

She said there had been “declining applications over a number of years”.
“The number of UK leather producers has been in decline, and the largest producers are now China, Brazil, Russia, India and Italy. This has severely impacted the number of domestic students, and has not delivered commensurate international students.
“In recent years, recruitment has also been heavily impacted by Brexit and the loss of a regular flow of students from Italy. Our research in the discipline is world-leading, but research income is not offsetting the overheads of facilities and operational requirements or the costs of teaching dwindling student numbers.

“In October, we will publish a new strategy that includes a framework to improve and enhance our estate to the benefit of staff, students and the wider community. The legacy of the study of leather at UON is valued, and our sincere hope is that we find a practical solution to retain the subject as we move forward. We must however recognise the implications of continuing to cross-subsidise leather education and research.”
She said that “Fashion and Footwear courses at UON will remain, are unaffected by this consultation, and will adapt to any changes in leather provision”. 

According to an article in Moneyweb on 05 September, foreign investors have “dumped” shares in entertainment business MultiChoice Group and apparel retailers Mr Price Group and TFG Ltd.

It said the catalyst had been a quarterly review of indices by US investment advisor MSCI Inc., which had led to “an approximate outflow of R7 billion (US$360 million)”.

In response to a request for comment by S&V, TFG CEO Anthony Thunström wrote: “The South African consumer remains under significant pressure as a result of high cost of living increases, elevated interest rates and the negative effects of ongoing load-shedding. These conditions are likely to remain for the rest of this year but should start to ease in the new year.”

Mr Price Director of Investor Relations & Stakeholder Engagement, Matthew Warriner, said the issue “has already been widely covered over the past few weeks as the MSCI index quarterly changes took effect”. 

Pinetown, KZN, SA - In a letter to customers dated 04 September, signed by CEO Brian Kuhnert, safety footwear manufacturer BBF Safety Group has accused competitor Dromex of “crossing an ethical line” by copying 2 of its best selling styles, the Sisi Reese and the Bova Neoflex. It says it is “considering the appropriate legal recourse against Dromex”.

More to follow. 

Windhoek, Namibia - Trading conditions this year so far show a positive growth monthly! Considering the increase in expenses, living costs, etc., there is still no balance between business and reality!

Namibia has an estimated population of 2.6 million. 43% of the population is experiencing multidimensional poverty!

1.6 million people live off grants/pension/feeding programmes (source: UN + Namibian Government), leaving a mere 1 million liquid people to keep the trading economy afloat.

To reach the trading peak of 2018 will still take a long time.

Customers have everything and too much. The quality of goods in general is declining and prices are climbing. Survival is the key word! 

UK tannery and glove maker Pittards has closed following failed talks with a prospective buyer, according to a BBC report.

Most of the 135 staff at its Yeovile, Somerset plant have been made redundant.

According to the report, "Administrators are assessing options with regards to its Ethiopian business and are in discussions with local management in this regard". Pittards Ethiopia employs around 900 people.