North West Based Hotter Flies The Flag For UK Manufacturing
Released
on: January 25, 2010, 5:40 am
Author:
Hotter Comfort Concept
Industry: Retail
Hotter Comfort Concept, the Lancashire based shoe
manufacturer, has reaffirmed its mission statement to keep
manufacturing in the UK. This statement comes at a time when
Cadbury's, one of Britain's best loved businesses, faces US takeover.
Hotter Comfort Concept, which is celebrating 50 years in the industry, is one of a
few UK businesses currently beating the recession. Manufacturing 1.3 million pairs
of footwear each year in the UK, Hotter is one of the world's most technologically
advanced shoe making factories and last year turned over £37.5m and made profits of £5m.
In light of the current economic climate and imminent Cadbury's takeover, Hotter
has renewed its commitment to remain true to its British roots with company values
built on enthusiasm, passion and courage. Managing director, Stewart Houlgrave has
seen many changes in the industry over the years and is determined to see Hotter
shoes beat the recession and prove that the UK manufacturing industry is strong in
the economic downturn.
Stewart commented: "The recession has seen many of our well known high street names
disappear. Woolworths was probably one of the biggest last year and the recent
Cadbury takeover is a shock and great loss to the UK manufacturing industry.
"My parents set up Beaconsfield Footwear over 50 years ago and I've grown up with
the brand and through our business decisions and operations created some of the most
advanced shoe manufacturing technology in the UK. I am proud that we are proving
it's still viable, and indeed a lucrative proposition, to manufacture and sell
shoes in the UK with a British workforce."
Over the past six years Hotter Comfort Concept has invested £6 million and now has
one of the most successful production facilities anywhere in the world. Hotter
targets the active mature market, where shoe shoppers are investing their cash in
the ultimate indulgence for their feet. Many of the hundreds of letters and emails
Hotter receives comment on the heritage and firm British roots the company retains.
Hotter Comfort Concept has strong values with a modern outlook on business. Stewart
re-affirmed Hotter Comfort Concept's determination to retain UK roots and that the
company is not afraid of future industry change: "When other businesses fled
overseas I was sure our future remained here in the UK and I am glad I made that
decision all those years ago, despite surprise in certain parts of the footwear
industry. I stood by what I believed in and today with a loyal workforce of nearly
400 including a manufacturing plant, call centre and five high street stores, Hotter
is going from strength to strength and I'm extremely proud of what we have
achieved."
ENDS
About Hotter Comfort Concept:
Hotter Comfort Concept targets the active over fifties market where thousands of
shoe shoppers are indulging their feet in the hidden comfort of Hotter shoes -
designed, manufactured, packed and shipped from the Lancashire factory.
Hotter manufactures more than 1.3 million pairs of women's shoes, men's shoes, extra wide
shoes, women's
boots
and women's sandals every
year- more than any other shoe maker in the country.
Hotter sell shoes direct to its customers via its website, on-site 90 seater call
centre and selling through 300 independent UK retailers including garden centres.
Contact Details: Katie Griffiths
Hotter Comfort Concept
2 Peel Road
Skelmersdale
Lancashire
WN8 9PT
01625 822 650
www.hottershoes.com
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