Leeds based ‘high-tech’ cobblers to expand and create new jobs via six-figure loan

A Leeds company ‘pioneering’ a new approach to footwear repairs has secured a £300k loan from NPIF - Mercia Debt Finance, which is managed by Mercia Debt and is part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund, to enhance its technology.

The Boot Repair Co provides an authorised repair service on behalf of footwear brands including Fairfax & Favor, Vivobarefoot and Dubarry of Ireland, and also operates ‘white label’ websites to manage sales of refurbished products on their behalf.

The funding will provide additional working capital following its recent success in winning a major contract with Dr Martens. It will also enable it to create 10 new jobs in the next six months and develop a bespoke software system to manage the entire repairs process, from receipt of goods to despatch.

The Boot Repair Co was formed in 2011 by father and son Gerald and Tom Forbes who run the Craggs Shoe Repairs chain, and Chris Wilson, whose family founded Leeds based Charles Birch, a supplier of footwear repair components. The company is now led by Tom Forbes, the current managing director.

In addition to working with brands, it also provides repairs for customers directly, and has an exclusive contract with the Household Cavalry to repair military boots.

Over the past 12 months it has refurbished over 100,000 pairs of boots and increased staff numbers from 35 to 68. Around 55 of these staff are based at its new premises in Leeds, and the remainder at its second site in Rochford, Essex.

The company is currently working with Leeds City College to launch a new apprenticeship scheme and has received a range of advice and financial support from business support programmes delivered in partnership between West Yorkshire Combined Authority and Leeds City Council.

This includes grant support towards cost of the new software, premises fit out and the original introduction to Mercia.

Jamie Whitehouse, Operations Director, said: “We are pleased to have won contracts with so many prestigious brands. We have already made major investments in technology, machinery and training to enable us to take on this work including, most recently, sending staff to the Dr Martens factory for several weeks to learn their production techniques.”

Gary Whitaker from Mercia Debt added: “Pre-owned footwear is a huge and growing market and offers benefits for brands and consumers alike, as well as being good for the planet. While many high street cobblers are struggling, The Boot Repair Co is bringing a new, tech-enabled approach to the industry.”

By Matthew Neville – Senior Correspondent, Bdaily

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