THE No.1TRADE MAGAZINE FOR TODAY’S SHOE REPAIRER AUTUMN 2017

Race along to the CUTTING EDGE EXHIBITION on September 24th

Full details about the exhibition and much more inside... Autumn has arrived... Inside this issue...... which means it’s almost time for the annual same as our mailing database clearly CUTTING EDGE NATIONAL Cutting Edge Exhibition already! They say time shows. As well as excellent editorial EXHIBITION ANNOUNCEMENT p4 flies when you’re enjoying yourself so I suppose and interesting stories what else do you the past twelve months must have been great, want? You want to know what’s on for some at least. Though for many of us it has offer to help you but you don’t always IT’S HELLO TO CHRIS p6 apparently been quite a tough twelve months. have time to search the ‘net though do It seems that some companies supplying the shoe you? True, but you can always spare a COMPANY PROFILE: repair trade have found it quite difficult since the few minutes to make a brew and sit NPS SHOES p8 Brexit decision was made last year. However, many of down to flick through your ‘Cutting Edge’ those who decided to make the best of it by putting to read an article and scour the adverts! HICKLEYS HIT THE ROAD their efforts into finding great deals and then most Food for thought... importantly promoting them to their existing and SAVVY SUPPLIERS AGAIN p22 potential customers have been telling us business is still good. So – what have we on offer for you this “THE KNOWLEDGE” time? Well of course, for those going to I hope you repairers have been able to take advantage the Cutting Edge Exhibition (and with the Sole Trader p24 of this, and the growing ‘make do and mend’ attitude actually for those who maybe can’t of UK shoppers that has been reported recently in make it this time too) we’ve lots of CUTTING EDGE SHOW EXHIBITION parts of the media has given you more opportunities news from those savvy suppliers who MAP pages 26 & 27 to increase your takings. will be promoting their latest offers in GREAT DEALS ON OFFER a couple of weeks’ time. Check out our ‘Meet the Exhibitors’ section starting on page 29 MEET THE If you’re on the lookout for even better deals now is to read what many of them have to say. EXHIBITORS pages 29 to 33 definitely the best time of the year. Many of the biggest names supplying the shoe repair trade will be We also welcome a couple of heading to the Conference Centre at the National companies who are new to the SOCIETY NEWS Motorcycle Museum for the 2017 Cutting Edge magazine if not to the trade. You might FROM SOMSR pages 35 - 37 Exhibition on the September 24th, and I expect that not know the name NPS Shoes but you are almost certain to have repaired soon after that the few who decided not to attend WALKING ON CORK p38 will be kicking themselves for not investing a couple some of the high quality footwear that of days of their time and a relatively few pounds of this Northamptonshire company has their marketing budget to get their products seen by manufactured using traditional skills and EXHIBITION the people who matter – you guys in your shops. top quality materials for well over 130 MEMORIES pages 42 & 43 years. Find out more on page 8. On page How else can suppliers tell you about their offers? 13 we speak to Chris King of Dorset- Well, of course the internet is probably the first thing based Independent Keys, who some of SPOTLIGHT on Chirs Wilson of that springs to mind. It is good for those companies you may have met at the Cutting Edge Charles Birch p46 that keep their websites up to date to tell their event in Bristol earlier this year, to customers about the latest deals and developments. discover more about his growing THE OLDEST CURRY SHOP IN However, what about new customers? What about business. other ways of letting people know what is going on, SUFFOLK? p48 and quite frankly just keeping their company name in Another name that you will definitely customers’ minds? Need a clue? know is John Timpson (Chairman of the chain of stores that bears his name, for WEB DIRECTORY p50 DEDICATED TO THE TRADE those of you recently arrived here from CLASSIFIED ADS p51 One excellent answer is right in front of you - your Mars!) who was knighted in the Queen’s Birthday ‘Cutting Edge’ magazine – the only UK magazine Honours List in June this year in recognition of his dedicated to the shoe repair trade and all those who services to both Business and Fostering. We are work in it, whether as repairers or suppliers. Why? delighted to share a few words from him on page 6. Plus all the Well, you read it regularly don’t you? Every year at the Well, that’s enough from me. I’ll let you get on with Cutting Edge Exhibition lots of you tell me you look reading all that and much more – and I look forward product & forward to receiving it regularly, delivered free to your to maybe meeting you at the exhibition on the 24th. door. Obviously several thousands of you think the company news you need to know !!

Cutting Edge Magazine is designed & produced NEXT ARTWORK by 5D Publicity Ltd. Cutting Edge, c/o 5D Publicity Ltd, & EDITORIAL incorporating The Shoe Repairer. 4500 copies distributed FREE throughout the Shoe 56 North Park Grove, Leeds LS8 1EW. HEADLINE Repair trade to a regularly updated subscribers’ list. For editorial & advertising enquiries phone: 0113 225 1546 or email: [email protected] Editorial in this magazine does not represent the views and policy of The Cutting Edge Organisation, EDITORIAL COMMITTEE nor can the editor, production company or Cutting Tony Driver, Editor, 5D Publicity Ltd., Peter Coulson, Siserve Ltd., NOVEMBER Edge accept any responsibility for advice given or Gary Unwin, Davenport-Burgess Ltd., Robin Healy, Tim Wilford, product claims made throughout the magazine. Glenway Products Ltd., Paul Lister, Grangers International. 5TH CONTACT CUTTING EDGE & SOMSR ON 0113 200 3948 [email protected] / [email protected] 2017 Special Offer SMART SHOES to all visitors to the Cutting Edge Exhibition JUST GOT SMARTER Half price entry £5.00 (normally £9.95) to see the best of British Motorbikes from the last 100 years at the home of THANKS TO NEW EASY LACE the British Motor Industry. PLUS - a chance to win a 1960 BSA DBD34 Gold Star Clubman 500cc (A beautiful example of one of the most desirable classic bikes of all time) in a raffle draw due to be drawn on 4th November 2017, Other prizes including a 1955 BSA C11G 250CC & a Luxury Weekend Break. Only £2.00 per ticket. 1st PRIZE

No ugly bows and knots, 2nd these 100% silicone no tie PRIZE laces are flying off the AT THE shelves since their launch in August 2015. Available in Black & FREE 3rd Brown. CONFERENCE CENTRE ENTRY PRIZE Also available in Heavy Flat in 12 colours for Junction 6 M42, Solihull, West Midlands casual & sports shoes. (Sat Nav B92 0ED)

For more information contact your local Charles Birch representative

Call freephone: Leeds 0800 591558 Rochford 0800 585313 Visit www.easylace.com and To fast track entry email the names of the visitors, www.charlesbirch.com company, address, email and phone number to: [email protected] 4 5 It’s hello to Chris I am honoured to once again accept the position of Chairman of Cutting Edge for the next two years. David Pollard from Signature Engraving has done a great job over the last two years with the highlights being an ever stronger Cutting Edge magazine and a terrific Cutting Edge Exhibition in Leeds last year. The 2017 Exhibition at the National Conference Centre/National Motorbike Museum promises to be our best exhibition ever. It really is a superb venue, easily accessible from the whole of the UK by road, rail and plane and there are many exciting new exhibitors. Don’t miss the latest innovations in the trade, new ways to improve business and most importantly the opportunity to take the time to discuss business with other people, fellow shoe repairers and suppliers alike, who are passionate about the trade. Oh and with your spare time check out some fantastic old British motorbikes! I look forward to seeing you there Chris

and congratulations to Sir John I will never forget the moment I since about 1880. I can Since 2003, when my son opened the official looking letter understand why Timpson is James became Chief Executive, from the Cabinet Office asking sometimes seen as a big rival to the business has grown from whether I would accept the all the independent shoe 320 shops to 1,900. In a family award of a knighthood - easy repairers but I hope they business it is vital for each new question! Of course I feel really recognise we helped to generation to bring their own honoured, but the moment also encourage our trade to diversify spark of enthusiasm. James was came with a touch of sadness. into key cutting, watch repairs a bundle of energy from The citation is ‘For services to and beyond. childhood, a passion that has put business and fostering’, probably The shoe repair market has been our colleagues at the centre of a unique combination. I'm not declining since the mid 1960s, everything we do and created a sure that anyone else has been providing a character building scheme to recruit people from knighted for being a foster carer, challenge for everyone in our prison. but I only played a supporting business. There were times 30 years ago I always felt that role in looking after the 90 foster when I wondered whether we shoe repairers were undervalued children who we cared for, over would survive but I now know - by landlords, jobseekers and 90% of the work and dedication that service retailing is still a other retailers. Today we get was provided by my late wife, growth business. I have been more respect and I hope my who sadly is no longer alongside lucky to have the support of lots knighthood will, in a small way, me to be properly recognised as of special people - the add to the pride we all have in Lady Alex. colleagues who look after our our trade. The first half of the citation customers and the area teams John Timpson almost certainly also breaks new who look after them. The secret ground. I am particularly proud to behind our success has been to be recognised for being involved give those colleagues the in Shoe Repairing, a trade my freedom to look after customers family has been connected to in their own way.

6 DOCTOR'S ORDERS Geiger, Jack Wills, Marks and Spencer, Arguably, the company’s most prominent ASOS, Joules, and George Cox to name but period of note derived during the 35 year a few, so many consumers would be period in which they made Solovair (Sole- unaware that they were wearing footwear of-Air) boots and shoes under license, made by our company. Most of these branded and sold under the name branded collaborations have ceased as “Dr Martens by Solovair”. Times margin is king on the high-street and change and NPS Shoes have now replicas of the footwear we manufactured Silca Bravo Professional stopped producing boots and shoes for these brands have been sourced from under license for AirWair International. lost-cost international manufacturing After the withdrawal of the licensing instead. agreement, NPS Shoe registered the NEW COLLABORATIONS trademark Solovair® in 1995. The factory Nevertheless, there are a few important continued manufacturing ‘Soft Suspension’ domestic and international collaborations soled footwear, using the same component still taking place with brands such as Toast, and material suppliers, thus maintaining Jigsaw, Margaret Howell, and You Must their reputation for the high-quality Create (YMC), which has seen a new footwear, but also their modern take on our classic shoes and independence. boots, re-worked for today’s style NPS Shoes carried on conscious consumers seeking something making shoes until less mainstream and more individual. We orders had dwindled are thankful to these brands that are aware to an unsustainable of the heritage and craftsmanship and value quantity in 2007 the importance of Made in England. and the employees of the cooperative “We are proud to be able to say that decided to close the every step in our manufacturing factory. At that point, process is done here in our factory in Mr Ivor Tilley offered to Northamptonshire using methods and buy the company and machines that haven’t changed very support the continuation of production. much over more than 100 years. NPS Shoes The final 27 employees The association with Dr voted to give him the Martens had been Making high quality English opportunity to keep the vitally important to NPS factory in existence and Shoes, but the footwear since 1881 today, the firm still employs many of those company has always NPS Shoes is independent family-run business original 27 people. taken care to ensure manufacturing hand-made Goodyear-welted footwear in that its own Solovair the traditional English shoemaking county of brand was included in Northamptonshire, for 136 years. any branding and that NPS continue to remain true to their ideals, stood it in good stead combining traditional craftsmanship, the componentry when the Dr Martens and materials, in order to produce high quality footwear. To maintain this undisputed quality, the licence was products have always be Made in England from start Christian & Ivor, a proud partnership. withdrawn.” to finish. When I took over the DISTINGUISHED HERITAGE business, we didn’t With a proud and distinguished heritage in footwear really know how manufacturing, NPS today specialise in manufacturing things would pan out, both men and women’s Goodyear welted footwear that but we have built on are 100% made in England, under our two established brands Solovair® and NPS Shoes®. However, historically we Ivor Tilley remains involved in the Solovair® and have predominately manufactured on the behalf of other brands the business as Chairman, but his NPS® brand and some big- and wholesalers, which to some extent explains the obscurity of son-in-law, Managing Director Christian name stores have stocked our shoes, our company and brands, except for the discerning client. Castle, oversees the day-to-day running of and at the same time increased our the factory. The business started in 1881, when five men banded together order book for independent brands, to form a co-operative in the village of Wollaston called the NPS Shoes is proud to still be including many international brands Northamptonshire Productive Society (NPS) Shoes. Luck was manufacturing footwear for many of the UK whom we export our footwear to.” with them from the outset as they managed to secure an order government emergency for army boots from the Government, an order which would services and the armed sustain them for the first year. As industrialisation spread in forces and over the past England during the late nineteenth Century, demand in England decade since the company and abroad for high-quality boots steadily increased. NPS became privately owned, enjoyed rapid growth and by the turn of the last century NPS the business has Shoes had grown to 80 employees. Consequently, the business manufactured on behalf of moved to a larger purpose-built factory on South Street in 1899, many high-street brands which although modified and expanded, we occupy to this day. such as John Lewis, Kurt

Find out more. See us at the Cutting Edge Show. www.nps-shoes.com www.solovair-shoes.com delete email & phone detailsa 8 99 PRODUCT NEWS + PRODUCT NEWS + PRODUCT NEWS + PRODUCT NEWS EASY ENTRY INTO THE VEHICLE KEY MARKET Offer dull & tired shoes There are many ways you can margins of 200 & 300% enter the vehicle key market and you only need a few keys a SHOE SPA with whichever way you choose there a week to cover your are opportunities to benefit from costs and begin earning and additional profits to be made. profit. The circumstances are different One of the limiting factors for everyone and this can limit to offering just cloning is what you can offer and how you that often vehicles have proceed. remote central locking and PROTECTIVE SOLES A single person shop without parking the customer really wants can probably only offer a key cutting a Remote key, 10% of and cloning service but with the remote keys can be advances in cloning recently there is manually programmed so still many opportunities to sell cloned works well with just a cloning keys which retail from £55 -£75 with machine but the vast majority need to excellent margin opportunities. be programmed into the vehicle memory using a diagnostic The procedure for programming keys can be quickly into profit. The popular Choose TOPY ELYSEE With advances in recent years that programmer, this is where the follows an on screen step by step way to take this step is to finance the saw id46 and id48 transponder Advanced Diagnostics MVPPRO adds path that walks you through the purchase where repayments on a key NUMBER 1 IN THE WORLD cloning introduced approximately 70% to your abilities and range of services. process and if you’re not sure there is programmer is as little as £11 per of vehicle keys can currently be often a video of each car with the If you have parking and ideally more week and a complete cloning and Available in 1mm & 1.8mm cloned, which is still a massive programming being done, furthermore than one person in the shop moving programming package from £25 per market that can be tapped into. Hickleys offer a technical helpline for 11 colours: Black, dark brown, into the key programming market with all users to talk them through the week. The Silca RW4+ transponder cloning an MVPPRO is relatively simple. If you To find out more about the caramel, leather colour, beige, machine with the Mbox upgrade restrict yourself to the additional key process if required. probably is the most advanced, market you don’t need to have vehicle With retail prices anywhere from opportunities with key cloning red, blue and NEW Titan, accurate and has the largest opening skills or need expensive £100 to £250 and again excellent and programming ask the Orange, Green & Yellow application list of the various cloning electronic key cutting machines and margins available covering the cost of experts, Hickleys Ltd. machines on the market. With keys of course you have one working key a programmer can be achieved by the 01823 328532 or email selling for approx £55 - £75 and so the vehicle can come to you. sale of the first 20 or so keys and you [email protected].

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SFTJTUBOU Meet us at the Available exclusively from NEED THIS WINTER. T Colledge and Son. CUTTING EDGE SHOW When you want a brand you can rely on for good grip and wear, look no further than Goodyear. National Motorcycle Museum Monaco 4mm soles and 8mm heels offer a Goodyear tyre pattern with excellent grip and a great Conference Centre looking finish to any repair. TOPY & T.Colledge & Son Goodyear Silverstone 3.5mm Soles and Goodyear Silverstone Heels 7mm offer a sleeker design for a September 24th a strong partnership lighter weight finish, while still giving great grip and unique design. www.tcolledgeandson.com You’ll find great offers on the T Colledge and Son stand at the Cutting Edge Show. [email protected] Or contact T Colledge & Son 0117 9717154 www.tcolledgeandson.com 0117 9717154 www.topy.fr [email protected]

10 COMPANY NEWS + COMPANY NEWS + COMPANY NEWS + COMPANY NEWS COMPANY NEWS + COMPANY NEWS + COMPANY NEWS + COMPANY NEWS COLLEDGE UNDERSTANDING YOUR CUSTOMERS IS CELEBRATE 10 THE KEY TO SUCCESS. Independent Keys owner Chris King believes the experience gained by having his own YEARS ON cobblers shop before buying Independent Keys gives him an understanding of what is important to his customers. THE WEB. Independent Keys started life as Independent Key Services (South West) back in 1981 under the This year T Colledge & Son celebrate a decade of stewardship of Peter Matthews. Peter spent the next best possible service and support to his customers. online ordering through their website. 30 years servicing his customers across the south “All of our customers are independent shops, many west via his monthly van sales calls. Customers family businesses like our own. If we can help them Back in 2007 most websites just showed a few appreciated Peters in depth knowledge of key blanks grow their business and increase their sales then products and company contacts. The website was and regularly had customer keys lined up on the they in turn they will buy more from us and we’ll designed with the remit that all products must be counter for him to identify when he arrived. both be happy” says Chris. included and available to order online and that the The business was purchased by current owner Chris “We have tried to avoid all the things that used to process must be simple and user friendly. The site King at the end of 2014 and moved to its current annoy us about our suppliers. We keep our free was an immediate success, with far more warehouse in Wimborne, Dorset. Since then the carriage down to £65 which is the lowest on the customers using the website than was expected. business has modernised beyond recognition. The market and we have no minimum order, we’ll happily Ten years later the site is pretty much range of key blanks stocked has dramatically send you out 1 key if that’s what you need. We’ll give unchanged, the main reason being that it works increased including the introduction of transponder you a call if we are ever out of stock of something, and if it works why change it. The most glitzy vehicle keys, chips, blades and shells. The see if there is an alternative or sometimes people websites used by the biggest companies have introduction of a range of padlocks, locks and would rather wait until it is in stock. No more making become so over complicated that often it is security products, more key rings and counter up an order just for it to arrive and the main thing you impossible to find what you actually want and because accessories alongside a comprehensive range of wanted is out of stock!” of the way they work, tend to be very slow. batteries means key cutters can get everything they Independent Keys have just launched their need under one roof. The T Colledge and Son website is updated daily with new new website with online ordering. Register at products and offers, etc., so always shows the current situation. Before purchasing Independent Keys, Chris and his www.independentkeys.co.uk for your trade log in, or give them a call on 01258 857167 for We are always interested in feedback on the website and any family owned a cobblers shop for several years. It more information. ideas on how the site could be improved. www.tcolledgeandson.com was that experience that drives Chris to offer the

Register online for your trade login TODAY

The ONE-STOP SHOP for key cutters. Order online at our NEW WEBSITE – www.independentkeys.co.uk

01258 857 167

[email protected] www.orthosole.com Unit 1C Bailie Gate Industrial Estate, Wimborne, Dorset. BH21 4DB www.charlesbirch.com

12 13 PRODUCT NEWS + PRODUCT NEWS + PRODUCT NEWS + PRODUCT NEWS Superior to rubber and easy to use... The Casali range of universal half soles and men’s heels are manufactured with a compound superior to rubber, is easy to work with and simple to trim. • Rapid fixing: minimal amount of time for gluing preparation. Thanks to the already applied primer, there is no need to prepare soles and heels, just apply a neoprene or polyurethane glue. • High-tech material: the half soles and heels are TPU modified, with the addition of elastomers, in order to achieve technical and aesthetic similarities to vulcanized rubber, only better! Easy to shape and easy to work with unlike regular TPU. • Softness: the characteristics of the material are not affected by extreme cold or heat, unlike vulcanized rubber. • Lightness: the compound is approximately 15% lighter than normal compact TPU. • Good aesthetic appearance and unlike vulcanized rubber, without a bad odour. • Innovative Design: a delicate look with studded tread patterns which work for both elegant as well as sportive shoes. The new innovative product Mirror is ideal for luxury shoe repair. The Mirror halfsole is extremely elegant due to its shiny surface. Light, soft and resistant to abrasion. The fashionable colours red, nut and black are suited to repair elegant and very luxurious shoes. NEW Standard Machine Solutions! Although we did not attend the Leeds Coupled with the noise reductions achieved through Armouries Exhibition last year, we at Standard our drive systems, we are confident you will notice Engineering have not been sitting on idle the differences. hands! Whilst not much changes in the land Our Air-Flo concept has also made its way into our of shoe repair nowadays, we have been NEW systems and has been incorporated into the beavering away looking for innovations that Units to improve the working environment for both we could introduce, that we believe could operators and customers. make a difference to our customers. In addition to this latest development, we also Our initial thoughts were to reduce power looked at reducing the size of work units to free up consumption and increasing reliability. To achieve space in the ever changing, diverse, service based this, we had to look very carefully how we control businesses you now operate. We have attempted our motors and the type of motors we used. After this before, but never found the right combination or many months of testing, we believe we have now solution We now believe that we have. With a few optimised our new ECU controlled motors, and our tweaks, here and there to our existing machine ‘Eco-Drive system’ is now complete. We can offerings and a little more development, we are happily report that this latest innovation is alive and ready to Launch our new modular, ‘Eco-Drive Units’ kicking in the wild with the customer more than happy with the results. In fact, they have These units, that can be offered with our larger commented on how quiet and smooth the finisher, the popular 710, and are now more machinery is and are looking forward to achieving powerful, quieter, smoother and more compact. their aim at reducing their electricity bill!!! The They can also be fitted with Fire Retardant filter added benefit is more power from the motors bags to give you ultimate peace of mind! because of electronic control. What’s not to like! If you wish to ‘test drive’ or would like more Improvements have also been made to our dust information on our NEW developments and machine extraction systems to improve the environment in offerings, please come and see us at the Cutting which operators work, achieved by some subtle Edge Exhibition. design changes to our internal fan units. Our system Keith Malyon is now cleaner and quieter than ever before! MD Standard Engineering

14 15 MAKE HAY WHILE THE RAIN POURS!!!

Does the Leather need a polish? Shoe Polish and MAXIMISE SALES DURING THE PEAK Shoe cream are ideal to nourish and maintain the SEASON FOR SHOE CARE THIS AUTUMN leather. We are now entering into the main season for Shoe Care is not a IT’S ALL ABOUT TIMING Shoe Care and the opportunity to increase this pressure sell but provides Select the most appropriate Shoe Care product part of your business can be achieved by focusing your customers with and start to introduce the features & benefits into on your winter specific products, merchandising friendly advice on how the conversation when the customer returns for and customer service. they can get the best their newly repaired shoes. Same tactic even in It is proven that Retailers that speak to its wear out of their shoes the ‘while you wait’ situation when handing back customers and provide a service are best which just reinforces the the repaired shoes. positioned to trap extra sales of shoe care as an reason why they like your WHAT CAN YOU SAY? Shoe Repair Services. after-care product for when Shoes are actually “To make sure you keep your Suede Shoes being repaired. This is where you come in!!! KEEP SMILING looking good we’ve got this really effective A well merchandised display helps to attract It is not what you say….. product called Protector. I use it myself and it impulse purchases but is also a great ‘sales aid ‘ it is how you say it….. Be really works well. It invisibly shields the Suede in terms of offering Shoe Care advice when easily friendly and smile this from rain and selecting appropriate products for your customers always puts customers at everyday stains from an organised range. ease. which means that KNOW YOUR you will maintain the appearance of PRODUCTS your shoes for Try out the Shoe Care longer and ensure products yourself, know what they do. Personal you get maximum endorsement is the most effective. Please refer wear.” to directions on products for application details. “To keep your THINGS TO LOOK FOR WHEN REPAIRING repaired shoes in SHOES good condition Identify shoe upper type. we have got this really good Does the suede have any stains? Suede Cleaner renovating cream, is an ideal product to introduce. that nourishes Are the Laces worn out? An and shines the opportunity to select New leather. This Laces. means that you will preserve the Are there leather for deteriorating insoles maximum wear. I inside the shoe that actually use this need replacing? New myself and it insoles will give the really works shoes renewed well.” says Paul comfort Lister of Cherry Is it raining outside? Blossom Protector is definitely Premium. worth a mention.

Friendly Service + Well-organised Display + Shoe Care advice = Happy Customers

16 17 PRODUCT NEWS + PRODUCT NEWS + PRODUCT NEWS + PRODUCT NEWS PRODUCT NEWS + PRODUCT NEWS + PRODUCT NEWS + PRODUCT NEWS

IS IT TIME TO UPDATE YOUR MONEY MAKERS? VIBRAM GOES BEFORE AFTER With all the new technology available in the “Silca remain the world’s leading manufacturer of such Texas 80 bit, the latest easy to use chips world of key cutting it is easy to be keys and key cutting machines and at the show in such as T50 and the Futura PRO computerised distracted from the two major work horses Birmingham we shall be offering great deals on the laser, dimple and cylinder key cutting machine. Silca Lancer Plus Mortice Machine and the Bravo FOR COLOUR that all key cutters rely on all day, every day The Silca team will be pleased to demonstrate the - the cylinder and mortice machine. Professional and Rekord Cylinder Machines on easy Silca App and assist you in downloading it on to payment terms” said Silca UK’s Lee Young. When one of these goes down it really is a your mobile phone. disaster for most businesses. Silca will also be demonstrating their new Smart THIS AUTUMN Remote for vehicles, the latest cloning updates So, is it time you renewed YOUR machines ? The main theme from Vibram’s shoe repair section this Autumn is colour along with many innovative designs. “Colour is King” said Vibram’s Export Manager Fabio Papini, “we have long been associated with a wide choice of colours thanks to our ever popular 1.00mm stick on sole in around 25 colours but now we have a great choice of colours in other sole designs, gents and ladies heels and even our sole units”. Fabio and his colleague Andrea Bassani will be on the Vibram stand at the Cutting Edge Show, so be sure to explore the whole innovative Vibram range on Sunday 24th. The Sole Factor Concept continues to go from strength to strength for the Vibram Diamond Shops. Ask Fabio about how you can become a Vibram Diamond Shop and offer the Sole Factor service.

Rekord Lancer Plus Bravo Professional

18 19 PRODUCT NEWS + PRODUCT NEWS + PRODUCT NEWS + PRODUCT NEWS PRODUCT NEWS + PRODUCT NEWS + PRODUCT NEWS + PRODUCT NEWS A ‘SNEAK’ PREVIEW ENJOY THE SWEET FROM SVIG SMELL OF SUCCESS Regular readers of Cutting Edge will know that the Italian company Svig is one of the most WITH TARRAGO innovative manufacturers of essential rubber components designed to meet the ever- changing requirements of the shoe repair trade. One of the biggest challenges facing repairers these days is the popularity of casual footwear with moulded rubber soles. In the past it was almost impossible to repair worn out soles on trainers, etc, but thanks to companies like Svig it now really isn’t such a problem. Since introducing their first rubber cup sole, SU550 Casual, at the Cutting Edge National Exhibition last year Svig’s designers have been working hard to increase this important range. SU551 Outdoor was launched earlier this year and now they are ready to reveal their latest design – SU552 Sneaker. NO WORRIES ! Not sure how to fit these soles? Don’t worry, Svig have already use on the Svig stand at the Cutting thought of that and a video is Edge Exhibition. available on their website and on So there really isn’t any need to get Youtube. stuck... which reminds us... Svig Tarrago Universal Cleaner Watch the video and you will see even supply the adhesives you need Liquid cleaner suitable for all colours. that a press and lasts are needed to too. Their new halogenating primer, Specially recommended for leather do the work but Svig have thought of ALOSVIG and their Polyurethane glue, NEW - Tarrago Fresh Deodorant goods and uphoslstery. For all types that too! A kit containing everything Adesvig PVC are the perfect team to Spray of leather (footwear, bags belts, you need is available from Svig’s attach your Svig cup soles. Tarrago New Fresh Deodorant Spray etc.), suede, nubuck and fabric. Great partner Fratelli Barbieri – and they Check out all these on the Svig is specially designed to deodorise for removing even stubborn stains can even show you how easy it is to stand at Cutting Edge 2017! footwear. With its floral essence, it such as ball point pen. neutralises any odour and provides a Tarrago Leather Balm 125ml fresh scent. With one easy application directly inside the footwear and its Wax-based cleaning and nourishing long durability, shoes will be fresh cream suitable for all colours. BIRCH SEES from heel to toe for 48 hours. Specially recommended for leather, including patent and reptile leather. Tarrago Polish 50ml THE LIGHT Tarrago Polish is now available with new colour coded Following the huge success of 50ml tins. Little Larry and Big Larry last Available in 7 colours: year Charles Birch are expanding Black, Dark Brown, their torch range in time for the Medium Brown, Light busy Autumn/Winter season. Brown, Navy Blue, As with the Little Larry and Big Larry Neutral and Burgundy, the the new torches will come on an unique formulation uses attractive display stand. They will only natural waxes such again be attractively priced for an as beeswax and carnauba impulse but from an RRP of £6.99 for wax and natural solvents such as the new Larry to £29.99 for the all natural turpentine oil. singing and dancing NEBO SLYDE + These natural ingredients allow for (both pictured). nourishing and waterproofing of the leather as well as adding colour with See the whole range on the natural pigments. Charles Birch stand at the Cutting Edge Show. For more details of the full range of Tarrago products contact T Colledge & Son on 0117 9717154 or visit www.tcolledgeandson.com

20 21 COMPANY NEWS + COMPANY NEWS + COMPANY NEWS + COMPANY NEWS COMPANY NEWS + COMPANY NEWS + COMPANY NEWS + COMPANY NEWS HICKLEYS – HIT THE ROAD AGAIN WITH FREE PRESENTATIONS SET FOR HUGE NEW RELAUNCH Hickleys, the vehicle key If you would like to explore the programming specialist, are opportunities in vehicle key and remote explaining the opportunities in services visit our website and register AT THE CUTTING EDGE SHOW your attendance. Over the next few vehicle key cloning and months we will be in the following areas: S C Johnson have appointed Charles “Having sold BAMA insoles for the last forty programming at presentations Birch Ltd as their UK distributors for the years we are delighted to have been September: Ipswich & Luton being held around the country famous BAMA brand from August 2017. appointed by S C Johnson as the UK’s BAMA October: Warrington & Swansea throughout the year. The BAMA brand was founded by Curt distributor” said Charles Birch Managing December Brighton & Reading Director, Chris Wilson “their excellent range of The ability to copy or program vehicle Bauman in 1914. With a craftsman’s flair, Keep an eye on our website laces and shoe care will also fit perfectly into keys and remotes adds additional tremendous diligence and just 750 Reichsmark www.hickleys.com for dates and our existing offer.” business for key cutters and auto in his pocket for a sewing machine and a locations, each presentation starts at locksmiths alike. punching machine, he created his first insole. It Ironically back in the 1970’s Charles Birch was 2pm and finishes at 5pm. was designed to provide the foot with a soft the exclusive distributor of BAMA insoles into The presentations will explain the Following shortly after the afternoon Key underlay that gently envelopes, warms and the UK’s shoe repair trade before the services you can offer, the opportunities Programming demonstrations, we will be protects. distribution agreement was taken over by for business, the equipment required and demonstrating a fantastic new way to Dylon in the early 80’s, Chris remembers it the training and technical backup In 2011 US-based Company S.C. Johnson increase your business with a new well, but for all the wrong reasons: available. acquired Bama GmbH. S C Johnson is a family service called FlashMap ECU Remapping. company dedicated to producing innovative, “We had a small warehouse in Pershore Street The presentations will then go on to If you have the ability or the desire to high-quality products, excellence in the in the centre of Birmingham and I had just explain the cost of investment and learn a new vehicle related service that workplace and a long-term commitment to the been appointed as warehouse manager. demonstrate that payback scenarios of increases the performance and improves environment and the communities in which it Unfortunately when I put my order into Dylon as little as 7 months or 30 key programs fuel economy of a vehicle this may be an operates. Their other shoe care brands include can easily be achieved, furthermore ideal opportunity for you. for BAMA insoles I ordered 3,000 packs of 10 purchases using lease finance can Kiwi, Woly and Tana and their household instead of 3,000 pairs. When it arrived we These evening presentations will explain introduce you to immediate profits as the brands include Pledge, Glade, and Mr Muscle. couldn’t move in the warehouse, there was and demonstrate the equipment required, equipment is paid for from the profit This 127-year old company, that generates $9 Sanox, Solettes and Molli insoles everywhere the simple procedure to carry out and the earned. billion in sales, employs nearly 13,000 people – floor to ceiling. Then the heated phone call benefits customers will enjoy. globally and sells products in virtually every arrived from my father in Leeds, he had just The presentations include live With short payback scenarios, large profit country around the world. got the invoice!! It was a salutary lesson”. demonstrations on key cloning and margins and a fully-fledged support programming on a variety of equipment The BAMA range now boasts a comprehensive See the whole new BAMA range at the network all you need is the appetite for a and vehicles and demonstrates other range of top quality shoe care products and Charles Birch Stand in Birmingham or ask your new venture and the will to succeed. services you could offer such as remote laces as well as the world beating range of local representative for details and see the repair, remote virginising and epprom The FlashMap presentations are at the insoles on which its reputation was built. latest offers on www.charlesbirch.com services. same locations and start at 6pm until 9pm.

Passionate about feet & shoes

Find out more about the complete range of Bama shoe care products from our UK Distributors the Charles Birch Group

Call FREEPHONE Leeds 0800 591 558 or Rochford 0800 585 313 www.charlesbirch.com

22 23 Cutting remarks from the SOLE TRADER “THE KNOWLEDGE”

FREE poster with Recently I was in London less smart bike-sharing system, which - new products, new adhesives, new business is and where it might go. spending the weekend with my uses smart phone technology to materials even new services are Spending time working on your every 50 pair daughter; we had been out for a “change how transportation is always appearing. business instead of in your business meal and needed a taxi back to viewed”. Basically you pick up one of Take Easy Lace silicone laces, a will always pay dividends. order from their yellow bikes and drop it almost the flat. Glancing at her smart revolution in what could be seen as a WHERE TO GO FOR INSPIRATION? phone Helen said “there’s one anywhere using an app to record and very staid market. Brightly coloured Birch ! pay for your ride. Uber had better take soles for all manner of shoes may be This to me is obvious. If you are just around the corner it will be notice and Boris had better watch out interested in your business you have here in three minutes.” Ten a passing fashion but so were high - his Santander blue bikes days may heels! to be involved in your industry and the minutes later we were home, be numbered! best place to start is your industry no money changed hands and What’s happening to household exhibition. You have a thriving go very few words were spoken. THE ONLY CONSTANT IS CHANGE locks? Are keys becoming a thing of ahead one organised for the 24th The smart phone had told the It’s a well-worn adage, but what the past? Digital keyless locks are September and it is really easy to get driver all he needed to know, really matters is being aware of what here - my smart phone can control my there, just off the M42 near Solihull. his integrated satnav system is going on in and around your heating and it will soon be able to The National Motorcycle Museum is a had directed him and was also industry so that you don’t get caught open my front door. How will this great venue too. There will be loads affect your key cutting trade? pointing him at his next fare. out by progress and change. of innovations, information and What’s the latest in car security? Is improvements available from The money had been automatically Are you up to date on what the internet could deliver for your there a trend away from keyless? This manufacturers, suppliers and even banked. Uber of course and no matter is a fast moving market - are you on your contemporaries. what you consider about the business? We may all be familiar with the words Texting, Face book, Twitter, the ball when it comes to coding and To misquote Norman Tebbit’s controversy surrounding the ethics of decoding? the company, it is a very slick and Google adwords, You Tube, Instagram, infamous speech, maybe it’s time to efficient system. Ever since my first Pinterest, and Snapchat, but do you Engraving: - what are the latest “get on yer bike” - even a yellow one. ride in a London Black Cab, at the age know how to use these social media materials and techniques? I was Soletrader of five, I have always been a great systems to enhance and promote surprised by the last sign I had made admirer of “The Knowledge”, but your business? Many of these sites where a resin material produced a See all the new Vibram products change it seems is inevitable. Did the accept advertising and all can be used much more stable and acceptable Black Cab owners see it coming? I to develop interest in your business. result than metal. Are you up to date exclusively available from Charles Birch suppose they should have, satnav had It’s hard but you should keep aware of with the latest computer technology - knocked a big dent in the requirement what is available, perhaps that trainee it may let you engrave products you at the Cutting Edge Exhibition. for “The Knowledge” and mini cabs could help you develop a promotional thought you couldn’t and thereby were already taking a big slice of their campaign or customer care extend your services? improvement. business. Should you be doing a SWOT It doesn’t stop there though; KEEPING UP analysis? (Strengths, Weaknesses, For more information call your local office: Singapore based “oBikes” have just Simpler perhaps is keeping up with Opportunities, Threats) It’s never a launched their controversial station- developments in your own back yard: bad thing to evaluate where your Leeds: 0800 591558 Rochford: 0800 585313 24 25 THE EXHIBITORS CHARLES BIRCH GROUP T COLLEDGE & SON T R LAWMAN DAVENPORT BURGESS www.charlesbirch.com www.tcolledgeandson.com t: Leeds: 0800 591558 t: 0117 971 7154 Rochford: 0800 585313 TARRAGO VIBRAM s.p.a www.tarrago.com www.vibram.com TOPY RENIA SILCA UK www.topy.fr SVIG www.silca.biz [email protected] t: 0113 200 3926 ORTHOSOLE UK Catering CUTTING EDGE Magazine www.orthosole.com Area e: [email protected] e:[email protected] JOH RENDENBACH t: 0113 225 1546 t: 01371 821 486 (JR) DAVENPORT-BURGESS GRANGERS INTERNATIONAL www.davenport-burgess.com www.cherryblossom.co.uk t: 01902 366 448 t: 01773 521 521 DUNKELMAN & SON LTD. CONDOR GROUP www.dunkelman.com www.royallondonwatches.co.uk e: [email protected] t: 0208 370 4300 HICKLEYS GLENWAY K T LABELS t: 01536 260 760 AIRPLUS UK LTD. GLENWAY PRODUCTS LTD. www.shoe-insoles.co.uk www.glenway.co.uk HICKLEYS t: 0116 244 8131 www.hickleys.com Joh. RENDENBACH e: [email protected] SHOE T COLLEDGE & SONS SISERVE e: [email protected] t: 01823 328 532 STRING t: 0049 651 9490 1-0 GRAVOGRAPH RENIA GmbH www.gravograph.co.uk www.renia.com NPS SHOES SIGNATURE VICTOR de BANKE www.nps-shoes.com TARRAGO TOPY ENGRAVING CONDOR WOLY www.victordebanke.co.uk www.solovair-shoes.com SYSTEMS e: [email protected] e:[email protected] t: 01858 467 467 t: 01933 664 207 DUNKELMAN NPS SHOES CASALI SNC SKS STANDARD GRANGERS ENGINEERING SIGNATURE ENGRAVING SYSTEMS STANDARD ENGINEERING INTERNATIONAL www.signature-engravinguk.com www.standardgroup.co.uk e: [email protected] t: 01536 517 070 t: 01270 611 767 GEORGE BARNSLEY & SONS LTD. CHARLES BIRCH SKS [email protected] www.sks.co.uk t: 0114 272 6060 ENTRANCE e:[email protected] & REGISTRATION CASALI SNC SOMSR VIBRAM SILCA UK t: 01442 291 400 & www.casalitaly.com CUTTING SISERVE e: [email protected] EDGE www.siserve.co.uk KT LABELS t: 0116 271 7152 EUROLEATHERS e: [email protected] SOMSR t: 0121 689 2211 GEORGE www.somsr.com EUROLEATHERS BARNSLEY ORTHOSOLE GRAVOGRAPH AIRPLUS t: 0113 200 3948 & SONS www.euroleathers.com SVIG 01604 881097 www.svig.it www.movi.to

26 27 AT THE

CONFERENCE CENTRE MEET THE EXHIBITORS Some of the exhibitors want to tell you a bit about themselves and what they have to offer...

CHARLES BIRCH LTD: Charles Birch will be showcasing the new exciting brands and products that have been incorporated into their range during the year as well the perennial best-selling lines that will be featured in their special show offer deals. The new complete BAMA range of insoles, laces and polishes will be featured alongside the elite WOLY range and their own branded BIRCH shoe care. As always with BIRCH there is something for everybody. On the gift side watch out for the new rages of ZIPPO lighters and NEBO torches as well as their new umbrella and walking stick styles. In 2017 Birch have more than doubled their watchstrap range, with the inclusion of more widths, colours and many new premium quality leather straps. These will all be on display alongside their ever increasing watch repair tool and Renata battery stocks. Shoe repair components remain at the heart of Charles Birch and there will be great deals on Birch’s own brand Premium Grade leather as well as Wares and JR, rubber from Vibram, Hecsan and SVIG, TEK and Renia adhesives plus much, much more. As always the whole Birch sales team will be there to look after you along with Fabio and Andrea from Vibram and Lee and Matt from Silca. The Birch team looks forward to seeing you there. CASALI Since the 70s, Casali snc have stood out for their care and precision in the production of shoe accessories. Adoption of the most significant technological advances in this sector led to a share of the national and foreign market which necessitated new manufacturing strategies. A new modelling department and mould workshop were introduced using the most advanced technology and highly qualified staff. The Casali brothers today look on their company with pride and satisfaction because of its fast production processes and high quality. We work daily to look for original, innovative ideas. Our products are for the shoe industry as well as for the care and repair of shoes. We have direct sales representatives for our products, both in Italy and abroad. We have quality certification for: • The design and construction of moulds for plastics • Pressing of plastics In this way, we can guarantee the highest levels of quality at each stage of production as well as fast delivery. Casali offers everything you look for in a hand-crafted product, but on an industrial level.

T COLLEDGE & SON: We are the UK distributors for Topy’s unbeatable range of repair materials, DM and Sovereign repair materials, Goodyear soles and Heels, Saphir’s superior shoe care products and Tarrago Shoe Care, who have an enviable choice of colours in not only their shoe creams and dyes, but also their excellent renovator Quick Color. Also at the show: A full range of LBS watch straps (catalogues available) and Renata Watch Batteries. A new extended range of bag fittings and straps. Key blanks, key machines and key accessories. Great gift ideas for weddings, birthdays, christenings, engravable gifts - including photo frames, tankards and flasks, pet tags and Zippos. Also from Zippo - sun glasses and reading glasses with stands available. Leather goods - including belts, purses, wallets and bags. Shopping trolleys and luggage. Travel Blue travel accessory collection To see our full range of products visit our website www.tcolledgeandson.com or visit our stand at the exhibition.

28 29 GLENWAY PRODUCTS: NPS SHOES: Glenway Products are the number one supplier of trophies & awards in the UK. Based in NPS Shoes is an independent family-run business manufacturing hand-made Goodyear-welted the heart of Leicester in the East Midlands, they have been trading for over 40 years. footwear in the traditional English shoemaking county of Northamptonshire, England. They originally starting out as an injection moulding company, manufacturing figures and trims for the We continue to remain true to our ideals, combining over 130 years of traditional craftsmanship with the trophy trade. Over the following years they have developed into a full blown wholesaler, supplying all latest componentry and materials, in order to produce the best quality shoes and boots. To maintain this things trophy. undisputed quality, the products have always been hand-made from start to finish in the UK. As well as supplying trophies and components, Glenway also have a state of the art engraving and With a proud and distinguished heritage in footwear manufacturing, NPS today specialise in manufacturing personalisation department. “If it needs a name on it, we can do it!” says Paul Knapp, who oversees both men and women’s Goodyear welted boots and shoes that are 100% made in England. These are their engraving department. The skills and procedures on offer include : standard diamond drag produced on the behalf of brands and wholesalers alongside the Heritage, City and Solovair collections. NPS engraving, laser engraving, sand blasting & sublimation. Every part of the process is done in house has continued to maintain its independence and high-quality standards which have secured a reputation from design to finished product. with retailers and discerning customers as a premium product. In conjunction with the engraving department, Glenway also offer a drop ship service. If a With six ranges and over 150 footwear styles in-stock, NPS Shoes provides a vast array of traditional, customer in Birmingham gets an internet order from Glasgow, the order can be completely timeless and modern designs available to retailers for immediate dispatch. finished in Leicester, and sent direct to the customer. This saves both time and expense. Tel: 01933 664 207 | Email: [email protected] This sevice is available to all customers. Web: www.nps-shoes.com | www.solovair-shoes.com

GRANGERS INTERNATIONAL (Cherry Blossom Premium): ORTHOSOLE: Cherry Blossom Shoe Polish was launched in 1906. The brand quickly became a household Founded by Ronnie and Lorraine Irani, name and continued to grow in popularity. In 1993 Ronnie was still playing professional cricket for Essex and England when he was Today, Cherry Blossom is one of four brands owned by Grangers International – a company dedicated to plagued by knee and back pain. To his surprise he was advised by the team doctor to travel to the protection of all apparel and equipment. Cherry Blossom Premium was launched in July 2011 to Germany to see top podiatrist and 7th generation orthopaedic shoemaker Martin Trautmann. develop sales within the Footwear Specialist Sector and has enjoyed meteoric growth year on year. Ronnie was amazed by two things firstly by how the custom made insoles completely changed his Since the UK Footwear Industry Awards were launched, the Company has won the Best Shoe Care and sporting and everyday life and secondly by the cost – over 600 US dollars. Having become friendly with Accessories Brand Category four times out of the last five years. Martin Trautman they discussed how this service could become available at a manageable cost and the Full product protection is right at the heart of everything we do at Grangers International, and by Orthosole Insole Concept was born. extension, at Cherry Blossom. Cherry Blossom products clean, polish, protect, and restore all footwear, Once the technology and design were complete we searched all over the globe for the best possible while our range of accessories improve both performance and comfort. Our goal is to help your materials to use for the OrthoSole and are happy to say that Poron ® Performance Cushioning is found in customers make a perfect first impression time and time again! most OrthoSole products. After this Martin, Ronnie and a special Biomechanics team from Portland, Cherry Blossom Premium will be featuring its complete range collection which comprises of Shoe Care, Oregon USA spent over a year constantly testing and editing the product until they were happy for its Insoles, Shoe Trees, Laces and Shoe Accessories together with new exciting products and special show release into the market place. promotions. Come and meet Ronnie and Lorraine at the Cutting Edge Exhibition at Birmingham on We look forward to seeing you at the show. www.cherryblossom.co.uk September 24th for a demonstration of this revolutionary new product.

HICKLEYS: RENDENBACH: Hickleys the vehicle keys and equipment specialists will once again be exhibiting at the Cutting The traditional method of oak bark pit tanning has prevailed through four generations of leather Edge show. We will be discussing and displaying our full range of products including leading manufacturing at Rendenbach. Our uncompromising dedication to this environmentally friendly equipment from Advanced Diagnostics, Silca, Zedfull, Access tools, Mr Li, and many more. tanning has led to a product of exceptional quality. On demonstration will be the world renowned programming equipment including the MVPPRO & Zedfull, Silca Leather with the JR brand label is waterproof and extremely abrasion resistant, tough yet flexible, very equipment including the RW4+ and Smart remote programmer, a range of key cutting machines from comfortable to wear and visually distinguished by its attractive grain and warm, woody colour. Qualities which Miracle, Silca and AnSan and a selection of accessories, plus our fast moving keys & remotes. Our technical are valued worldwide by renowned shoemakers, orthopaedic suppliers and the international shoe repair trade. sales staff will be happy to discuss your requirements and offer you an in depth demonstration on the equipment of your choice. If you are considering entering the key cloning or programming market for the first To meet our clients particular requirements we can offer creative advice and a flexible manufacturing process time, discuss your thoughts with our team and they we give you a detailed breakdown of the market, the tailored to suit a specific demand. opportunities, the equipment required plus the likely costs involved. Traditional oak bark pit tanning relies on the use of biodegradable renewable materials and a slow tanning process taking up to nine months to complete. Our locksmith training centre offers domestic and auto locksmith courses from introductory training courses all the way through to single day in-depth products/vehicle based skills to maximise your investment. When We work hand in hand with nature using only first class raw materials from Europe’s best provenance and the considering Auto locksmithing services it is essential that you partner with a supplier that can offer you long term entire production process is subjected to stringent quality controls from start to finish. product and technical support as well as having the range and depth of keys, remotes and transponders venture. JR offers a complete range of sole leather products: soles, heels, heel blocks, bends, split bends, Contact our sales team on 01823 328532 or email [email protected]. shoulders, welts. Heel caps, toe caps and rubber inlay soles.

TR LAWMAN: RENIA: Renia Adhesives, based in Cologne, Germany are world renowned for their highest quality TRL is ideally located for nationwide service to the repair trade with products that solve every bonding requirement that a shoe repairer will ever have. its well established and new lines of products and services. This is thanks to the extensive testing and development by the experts in their own laboratory. Renia have Our product range includes a full range of quality leather half soles and full been developing and extending their range of adhesives for more than 80 years and now every Renia soles, including some of the best know names in shoe repair, such as Harvey product is the safest on the market because all their adhesives are free of Toluene and MEK. Lee and Sewflex, resin half soles and toe pieces, Dancer Soles and the Soltrack There really is a Renia product that works on all footwear materials and meets every challenge in footwear Repair Kits complementing a full range of resin, EVA, rubber and leatherboard sheeting. One of the latest additions to our offering are the high performance manufacture and repair. So because Renia know that you pride yourself in the excellence of your work they Poron PU foams and Renia adhesives and chemicals. do everything they can to help you maintain that standard. Their website, www.renia.com provides detailed information about all Renia products, and for clear With further additions of new fresh look, colourful products in Indiana and instructions on how to use them and to make your work even more efficient www.youtube.com/reniavideos Soltrack collections of heels and half soles TRL will continue building its product is the place to go. offering and service. Or for ‘hands on’ advice make sure you visit the Renia stand at the Cutting Edge Exhibition in Take a look at our website www.trlawman.co.uk For more details, Leeds where one of their experts will be pleased to help you. email: [email protected] or call us on 01933 355 805.

30 31 SILCA UK: SVIG: Their phrase “You’ll Never Break with Silca” is not an idle boast. Svig was established in Vittorio Veneto in 1948 and, as everyone knows, is one of the most important Italian leading producers of rubber articles for shoe repair and orthopedics. Taken literally vast amounts of research has gone into the making of each key blank to ensure that amongst other things it does not break in the customer’s lock. Made from a specially formulated steel known as “Easy In 2006 Svig joined F.B.G. Srl group together with Fratelli Barbieri srl; the latter, well-known for its MOVI® Cut Steel” this special steel give key cutters the best of both worlds, a material that gives the strength of steel mark, deals with products for shoe care, accessories and components. Svig and Fratelli Barbieri together and yet is easy on the cutters like brass. This way not only does the key not break in the lock but it is also a lot offer a complete range of products both in the national and foreign market. easier on the cutters saving a busy key cutter £100’s per year. EXPANDING The special back bevelling process performed on every key blank as well as the laser checked key profiles In 2007 Svig moved to a new factory which was expanded at the end of July 2015 with the helps to ensure that every key works smoothly in the lock. This is one of the reasons why many lock construction of a new warehouse for the complete Svig range which includes rubber sheets, manufacturers choose Silca to make their keys. Silca has a fully rounded customer service offer to back up heels, half soles, full soles, wedge strips; micro rubber Zephir® sheets, welt and full soles; their technical expertise. For example you can personalise your keys at no extra charge. You can take free EVA and cork sheets; and Adesvig glue, the universal adhesive for the SVIG rubber products. advice from the Silca App on which key to cut, or which chip to clone and how to use one of the new state of the art Silca machines. When turning a 20p key blank into a £4.95 key all key cutters want a trouble free existence and this is the main reason why customers that use Silca – “Will Never Break with Silca”. TARRAGO: Tarrago Brands International have been manufacturing and marketing top quality footwear and leather care products since 1940. A complete range of creams, dyes, sprays, cleaners, repair products, insoles and laces are now sold in more than 60 countries. Tarrago Brands International products are sold only in specialty shops and shoe stores or shoe repair SISERVE: shops, not supermarkets. Once again Siserve are proud to be exhibiting at the Cutting Edge Show and showing our support for todays shoe repairer. Tarrago also offers a range of industrial products direct to the manufacturers of shoes and leather goods. Tarrago was the first company in the world to develop a water-based product able to change the colour We will be displaying the latest developments to the HARDO Ideal115 alongside a some of the range of of leather, even from black to white: The Tarrago Colour Dye, which was created in the 60’s. machines we offer. In addition we will be introducing the new Photo systems - the ideal photo processing unit for PIONEERING small shops using dry inks, a small investment for potential growth and diversification for the modern shoe repairer looking for more returns. Why not visit us and see the introductory offers we have on these machines. Tarrago also pioneered the application of nanotechnology in the care of footwear, with the development of products such as Nano Protector waterproofing. Recently Tarrago has done a new revolutionary step Based in Leicester and with our strategic locations a service call is never far away, combined with many decades by creating a whole range of products to take care of sneakers, the Tarrago Sneakers Care Line, and also of experience we can repair machines faster to save you money. If you prefer to do some work yourself we carry a complete Outdoor line. a large range of spare parts and are very happy to offer advice over the phone to help you. With honest advice we should be the first you try. You can find the products by visiting www.tarrago.com or by contacting T Colledge and Son who have been distributors of Tarrago in the UK since 2000. www.tcolledgeandson.com Siserve - 0116 2717152 For more information on our shoe repair machines - www.siserve.co.uk and for more information on our NEW photo machines - www.photosis.co.uk TOPY: The TOPY Company is a family owned company, founded in 1935. TOPY is a rubber manufacturer, specializing in the production of very high quality rubber sheets, soles and heels for the shoe-repair and orthopaedic industry. The head office of our company is situated in the outskirts of Paris. Our manufacturing plant is located in the Maine & Loire area. At this plant 90 production SKS: workers are employed. TOPY is a famous worldwide for it’s excellent high quality products. SKS are the UK’s leading distributor and specialists in key cutting products and equipment with a true passion for selling keys. With 45 years in the trade, we offer a vast range of key blanks, key machines INNOVATION: Our continuous efforts in research and development allow us to keep all our products at and transponders to suit every need. That, when coupled with our dedicated, in-depth and friendly technical the highest quality and design demanded by the footwear industry. Our expectations and demands to be support, makes SKS the one stop shop for key cutters, hardware stores and locksmiths. the best in our industry lead us always to try to improve the quality of our products. Our range goes from the traditional compact rubber, to expanded rubber, PU and to EVA products for orthopaedics. At this year’s show, we shall be demonstrating the new JMA Multicode - an electronic key cutting machine that delivers a fast all-in-one professional solution for any business. Whether it is cutting household, dimple or TOPY has always exclusively developed a brand policy, supplying to the shoe-repairers high quality laser keys to code, the JMA Multicode is the perfect choice. In addition, we will be showcasing the new JMA products. Who can ignore today the legendary resistance to abrasion of the protective half-sole “ TOPY K-PROX proximity fob duplication machine. This easy to use and economical solution is a perfect add-on to any ELYSEE “ ? We always offer quality-price, quality service, and prompt deliveries. TOPY is one of the few key cutting service. The latest additions to our keyboard range will be on display and include a new ‘Dimple & companies in this industry to be certified ISO 9001 since 2006. This is why TOPY is synonymous with Tubular’ board, as well as boards for pre-cut mortice keys and an extension to our transponder board system. QUALITY, RELIABILITY and DYNAMISM. New at the exhibition will be Topy Croco sheets with an innovative crocodile skin pattern, A selection of products from our Ifam & Maxus ranges and our extensive range of locksmith tools will be light (microcellular) High quality, non-directional (can be cut in any directions) resilient with available for customers to view and handle. Please visit our stand for demonstrations and further information. anti-shock properties and is slip-resistant. Sample packs will be available on the day with SKS is part of the JMA (Altuna Group) – the largest and most progressive key blank supplier in plenty of special offers. Europe. www.sks.co.uk VIBRAM S.P.A: A family owned business owned by Marco Bramani the great nephew of the founder Vitale Bramani which is dedicated to quality and innovation. Having produced the first original rubber sole for climbing boots in the 1930’s Vibram have never stopped evolving designs, materials and processes to ensure that they are still the world’s no 1 rubber STANDARD ENGINEERING: sole manufacturer. For this reason they are the preferred partner of major footwear brands like Merrell, Scarpa, North Face to name but a few. We will be exhibiting our innovative, British-built shoe repair machinery. Their innovation now means that they are making rubber soles for the fashion and lifestyle footwear as Foremost will be our latest development, the new ‘Eco-Drive Micro Unit’. The smallest, quietest, smoothest, most well as specific high performance sports footwear across a huge variety of disciplines from running to economical machinery you can buy! Only 185cm wide! That includes a press, a workbench, with Air-Flo filtration and moto cross. a finisher! With his Sole Factor concept, Marco Bramani aims to revolutionise the world of shoe repairing. His We will also be running special offers on the day for both our equipment and machinery service. concept being one of sole redesign not just sole replacement. Inspired by the red soles of Christian First for Service First for Support First for Quality First for Innovation First for You! Leboutin, Bramani realises that a new colourful sole can make a huge fashion statement for the www.standardgroup.co.uk individual. Sole Factor is not just about fashion, it is also about performance. New Vibram soles can add grip, make the footwear more lightweight and more balanced and stable as well as more comfortable and durable. No wonder Sole Factor is already proving very popular with the public.

32 33 Society News

The latest information from the SoMSR office

There have been a few changes at SOMSR since the last issue of Cutting Edge. A familiar face has gone and new ones have taken their places on the Committee. After more than ten years on the SOMSR Committee and having in recent years held the position of Chairman, David James has decided to step down to allow newer members to come to the fore as he announced in the Summer magazine. At the recent Cutting Edge/SOMSR AGM everyone attending thanked David for his work over the years. In his place as Chairman we welcome Darren Slater who runs his own shop in Perth in Scotland. He is joined by new Vice Chairman, Alan Davies an experienced shoe repairer from Jarrow in the North East of England. Both men come to the committee with strong views which should make for interesting times for SOMSR in the near future.

When I get time off we like to go away as a family with our caravan all over Introducing: the UK. My daughter and I share a passion for motorcycles and often go away together on bike runs and rallies all over the UK. As my son is so much Darren Slater younger than my daughter we share very different interests, including fishing. Hello. My name is Darren Slater As often as I can spare the time we go off for the day fishing on some of the and I’m pleased to say that I am beautiful lochs we have here in Scotland. the new Chairman of SOMSR. I look forward to meeting SOMSR members and repairers who are interested I would like to take this opportunity to in joining SOMSR at the Cutting Edge Exhibition on September 24th. thank Chris Wilson and Robin Healy for recommending me for the position and Alan Davies I look forward to meeting them again Alan Davies has been appointed to soon. the SOMSR committee as Vice I am a shoe repairer like you and so I Chairman and has outlined his thought you might like to know a little reasons for accepting the post and bit about me. some of the changes that he would like to see: I started my own business called Sole Saver just over 7 years ago, although I “I have accepted the position in SOMSR have been in the industry since I was to try and make a difference. Make it a 16 when I started on a YTS scheme. little less stuffy and more relevant to Over the years I gained experience with different companies in the UK until I the average independent shoe repairer was able to open my first shop in a little back street in Perth. like me. However, things didn’t start well. Within only 3 months of opening, the shop I believe that we should be using the was flooded out by a burst pipe in the flat upstairs! I then spent several SOMSR website and Facebook to help months fighting with the insurance company, and I felt unsure whether I each other out more with advice on would ever be able to open my doors again. materials and jobs. Perhaps we could work more closely with the Forum too? At last after several stressful months the insurance company paid for me to open a new shop and I found the right premises in the perfect location on the On the social side, how about instead of a three course High Street. Finally I was able to open the door to my new shop with a sign meal at the show, we go to Wetherspoons and have a that I think is a witty play on words which says: buffet and a few pints. “We can heel you!! We can save your sole!! We will even dye for you!!” Most importantly I believe the SOMSR fees should come down to at least half what they are now. With This is often a good conversation starter, and I have even had tourists take Google supplying all the free advice we need as photos of our shop. This gave me an idea of starting a rogues’ gallery of clergy independent businesses, SOMSR needs to be offering leaving my shop, after having their sole saved at Sole Saver! real value for money to its members”. I have never looked back and my business has gone from strength to strength So - watch this space! in this prime location. I now have work coming in from all over the UK. This is down to a good internet presence and good recommendations from customers on our Facebook page. Alan and Darren will be pleased I have recently become Ecco’s recommended repairer and their customers are sending their shoes to me from all over the UK. Time flies when you’re having to welcome everyone on to the fun. SOMSR stand for a chat. The first On a more personal note, I am a happily married man with 2 children, a 30 independent shoe repairers to daughter aged 27 and a young son aged 7. My wife Lynn and I have just celebrated our eighth wedding anniversary in August. She made sure I should visit the stand will also receive a never forget our anniversary as it is the day before my birthday! I believe this free bottle of wine. is also so that she gets a present before I do!

34 SOMSR - The Society of Master Shoe Repairers. Join today! www.somsr.com [email protected] 0113 200 3948 35 I would like to take this opportunity to put on laughed so much when we were on these visits. DAVID LEE – International Man of Mystery! record something about Martyn and what he I remember those days well and when I think of Martin Harvey achieved for our Trade. The interview went like this: Martyn, I think of that time. I first met Martyn several years ago, having been Martyn was totally committed to MSA/SOMSR Chris started by asking David to confirm that introduced by a mutual friend. He was working he would be talking “cobbling” and not and the trade. We became friends and we kept there after having taken early retirement from in contact to the end. “cobblers” and to reassure him that there Londis, where he had held the post of really was a World Cup of Shoe Repair. Distribution Director for seventeen years. He was Sadly he had very little time to enjoy his time “There really is” confirmed David “and it’s held clearly a capable person, with a breadth of with the love of his life, his wife Margaret having over in America every two years.” experience and we immediately hit it off. It was been diagnosed with liver cancer just two felt that he would offer a fresh and well months after retiring at 65 just over 2 years ago David explained that he had wanted to improve managed approach to MSA/SOMSR, which he from MSA/SOMSR. himself as a shoe repairer. So he’d started by duly did. entering last year’s UK competition and although Just before retiring they decided to move from he finished in a creditable fifth place he hadn’t A lot of changes needed to take place to get the Newark to Boston in Lincolnshire to be closer to wasn’t content with that. So he looked around and it can dry out your shoes and then they will start association on track. We needed to sell the their children and families. It was an adventure soon decided to enter the American competition to crack. property which had been its offices for years, that they both put in 100%, they had the which was falling down. Once it was sold he opportunity to have a new bungalow built because it sounded much more exotic. So the best thing to do, is to actually use a cream, relocated the office to then work from home. entirely to their own specifications. Chris asked what happened at a cobbling it keeps the uppers in good condition. Also don’t Things then really started to happen. He started competition. wear your shoes out too much, don’t let them get Martyn never used to do much in the garden a new website, new magazine, and at the same to the stage where they’re beyond repair. Take before moving to Boston, but once they moved David explained “Basically, what you have to do is time he was making contact with as many them to a good repairer before the heels have in he set about designing his own garden with get a pair of shoes that are ready for repair. In this people in the trade to obtain feedback and David Lee pictured at the 2016 JR Shoe Repairer of the Year actually gone right through to the plastic or the room for fruit and vegetables and a lawn with ceremony at the Cutting Edge Exhibition in Leeds Armouries. competition you have to enter a gent’s leather further ideas. bushes and flower beds. This is where Martyn made shoe and a lady’s shoe. One shoe has to be wooden block and then they can be repaired and He managed to save people within the trade enjoyed spending the time in the garden. Since taking part in the Finals of the unrepaired and the other shoe has to be repaired, make them look as good as new again.” After the tragic death of Martyn Harvey, money especially on insurance by setting up a SSIA (Shoe Services Institute of so that it looks brand new, more or less just how Chris: “I know with car seats, with classic car Martyn was a keen fisherman and he loved the former Chief Executive of deal with Oval - Allianz, which is still being used America) World Cup Shoe Repair it comes out of a box.” seats, we feed the leather. Can you sort of nourish sitting on a river bank all day. Martyn and MSA/SOMSR here are a few words from today. Margaret also enjoyed weekends away in a competition in Long Beach, California “You’re not winding me up are you? This is your shoe leather?” Chris: his friend the former Chairman of We attended the exhibitions around the country static caravan. earlier this year, Midlands based David brilliant. And do you ever get people coming to David: “Of course you can and there are lots of MSA/SOMSR, David Harris. many of which he organised and set up, and also Lee, who was also one of the top you with shoes where there isn’t really anything different brands out there, I try to use brands that He was a very special man, and I was pleased “We are all very sad since Martyn Harvey passed including Trophex one year as well. I can wrong with them, they just want them pimping up have bees wax because they’re really good for the and proud to know him. repairers in last year’s JR Shoe away. Our thoughts are with his family and honestly say it was a great success for the or accessorising?” leather, it nourishes it and it protects it as well.” Repairer of the Year competition has friends. Association and on a personal basis I have never David S Harris become something of a celebrity. David: “Hmm, sometimes you do, you can buy Chris: “David, it’s good to talk to you. You are a little buckles that go on the shoes or bows for superstar. Thanks for being on the show – David By the way, talking of celebrities, we were ladies shoes. Some people even like the soles of Lee – and... Cobblers to you too!” amazed to find out recently that the famous their shoes coloured. That’s something I’ve got Promote your business with actor Daniel Day Lewis once actually gave up into and I offer it through my website.” Business News acting to try his hand as a cobbler! We do “Once I started doing this we found that we were STOP PRESS: STOP PRESS: STOP PRESS: Calls for improved lending standards SOMSR merchandise hope that David lets us know if he fancies getting a lot busier. Word of mouth was getting doing the opposite and when we can see Since being interviewed David has now The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) is calling for HANDY KEY CARE PA CKETS about ‘it’s not a normal boring repair’, the shoes opened his own business, DL Shoe Art on improved lending standards and an enhanced British him on the big screen, maybe in a remake of look a lot better, they look like brand new and they Improve your customer service by giving your customers their keys, Outram Street in Sutton-in-Ashfield. He’s Business Bank (BBB) in support of new recommendations Daniel’s famous film “My Left Foot”! have got colour on them.” watches or small engraved items in these handy ‘Key Care Pa ckets’. busily repairing anything from Samuel from the Banking Futures initiative. Each packet contains one key card & a plastic bag. You can use the card In the meantime David’s skill as a repairer Chris: “And I’m told you have some top tips for Windsor’s to Loakes, Oliver Sweeney and FSB is urging all banks to sign-up to the Lending Standards to write the customer’s name, the price and time of collection on the has brought him his first few minutes of shoe repairing, or looking after our shoes. Give us Church’s. He says he promises to put some Board (LSB)’s standards of practice for business back of the card. those please.” fame in the UK when he was recently colour and shine into his customers’ lives. customers, as set out in the ‘Banking Small Business’ Prices: approached by BBC Radio 2 to be on the David: “Yes, basically don’t use wax polish. Wax report launched this July. We know you’ll all want to wish him every 1000 packe ts - £39.99 2000 packe ts - £65.99 3000 packe ts - £91.00 Chris Evans Breakfast Show as Chris’s polish was originally invented for the military, so success for the future with his new venture! The report recommends that banks issue standardised that the feet didn’t get wet and obviously gave the ‘Mystery Guest’. lending contracts to small firms, making it easier for them A-BOARD SIGNS military shine that they needed. Over time though to compare indicative offers between banks, alongside accessible one-page summaries of deal terms. FSB is also Including: lending its weight to calls for banks to obtain explicit 2 printed PVC A1 size graphic from the SOMSR poster range. consent from small firms for their loans to be sold on in the A front opening snap frame for quick and easy poster changing. A ‘HOLE’ LOT OF FUN... event of a sale. 84cms x 59.5cms anti-glare poster cover. Mike Cherry, FSB National Chair, The annual Cutting Edge/SOMSR Golf Day took place at Staverton Galvanised steel back panel with hinged locking arms. said “We need to create an Park Golf Club near Daventry on June 23 rd. Everyone from the shoe Post & packing to one UK destination. environment where small repair trade was invited to take part – and thankfully some actually businesses are fully aware of all turned up to play! WORK WEAR the finance options available to The event was again organised by David Pollard in his last duty as Cutting them and understand exactly Do you need work wear for your staff? Edge Chairman before handing over that role to Chris Wilson. David said “It what they’re signing-up to when they take out a loan.” Smart, co-ordinated professional work wear will make the was a great day all round for all concerned, on an excellent course in cloudy Graham Hammond (left) finished Business rate revaluations customer experience that much more satisfying. SOMSR can but largely dry weather, with plenty of banter and laughs throughout the in second place provide quality polo shirts and aprons with the option to teams. All completed with a couple of beers and a fine three course meal - “Small firms are still absorbing the shock of April’s delayed customise for your staff. Wear the proud SOMSR logo on the pretty much the perfect day!” business rates revaluation,” said Mike Cherry, National breast or sleeve of your polo shirt. Chair of the Federation of Small Businesses. He went on to The winner on the day was John Shawcross of Timpsons who donated his say,”To add insult to injury, there was news last week of Send an email to [email protected] for more information £100.00 prize money to the Manchester Arena Bombing Appeal. Graham yet another delay to delivery of the hardship fund promised on A-Boards and Wo rk wear. Hammond who received £50 for finishing in second place has worked for months ago to those worst affected. However, Charles Birch in Essex for over 35 years. Perhaps he deserved that day out then?! confirmation in recent days that rates bills will rise in line BECOME A SOMSR MEMBER TODAY with CPI rather than RPI from 2020 will go some way to supporting small firms that are struggling against sharp Join now at www.somsr.com hikes in the future.” The winner on the day was John Shawcross of Timpsons Or come along to the SOMSR stand at the Cutting Edge Exhibition.

36 SOMSR - The Society of Master Shoe Repairers. Join today! www.somsr.com [email protected] 0113 200 3948 SOMSR - The Society of Master Shoe Repairers. Join today! www.somsr.com [email protected] 0113 200 3948 37 WALKING ON CORK – AND ON WATER AS WELL? The last few issues of this series examined the new possibilities that water-based adhesives offer – not just in industrial shoe manufacturing, but in the repair of shoes and leather goods. Getting rid of solvents sounds like a great idea, generally – if it can be implemented, that is, and not every application is suitable.

There are certain areas where water- much thicker layers (around 1 cm, compared based, solvent-free products already to about 10 micrometers). So, naturally, excel, but the majority still require a drying takes a while. It is comparable to the solvent-based adhesive. In the same drying time of the solvent-based cork filler, way, solvents can be eliminated from though: Both need around a day, or at least several other products like dyes and over night, until the work can continue, finishes – not with the best results in depending on layer thickness. It is possible every case! In this issue, we will look at to speed that up considerably: Using a heat yet another product that still utilizes lamp or hot air works well if done correctly. solvents: Cork bottom filler. But be careful: Too much heat too quickly just dries out the uppermost layer and Cork - but in what form? creates a skin, locking-in the water beneath We are not talking about cork footbeds here, it! There is no ideal solution to this problem as they are found e.g. in certain brands of yet - just as with the solvent-based variant. sandals. “Cork renew” products for these One big advantage of AquiCork though: It exist as well – but they are more about does not dry out in the package as quickly, resealing the surface and protecting it against and it is much tackier. This product is not environmental influences such as water. limited to welted shoes, of course: On a Basically, this is a type of adhesive used as a “honeycomb” structure as it is found in TR sealant. A cork filler, on the other hand, is soles, or on a hollow heel, it can be used to used in traditional welted shoes, to fill the lay the groundwork, filling the cavity and cavity in the shoe bottom. Shoe factories providing a surface to work on. But also in usually apply a granulated cork with a that application, it has to be able to dry solvent-based binder, and this product can completely. Especially on such non-absorbent also be used to replace the crumbling and or non-permeable materials, any moisture worn-out cork during a repair. Another option that remains will remain for a long time... is to just glue in a cork sheet, cut and ground which might lead to mold and other to exactly the right shape and size. Both complications. methods have advantages and disadvantages: Just like the other water-based products, Using a finished cork sheet is usually the AquiCork is a bit of a “Yes, but...”: Yes, it is a quicker method, whereas a liquid cork filler sophisticated product that works great if used offers a more comfortable “walking correctly and for the right application, but it experience”. Now of course the former is a does not solve everything. In the end, it great application for a water-based contact comes down to your decision: Is this an adhesive such as Aquilim 315! It works great interesting option for what I do, and does it on leather and cork – so maybe try it next make sense to give it a try? If the answer to time! But it is also possible to replace the that is “Yes”: The upcoming Cutting Edge solvent-based binder in the “liquid” cork filler show will be a great opportunity to get a free with a water-based alternative. sample... and we will be happy to see you AquiCork CF – Advantages and challenges there for any other adhesive-related questions Using a water-based binder comes with its as well! own challenges: Just in the same way as with adhesives, water dries slower than Dr. Rainer Buchholz, solvent. In this case, we are dealing with Renia Adhesives Cologne

38 39 PRODUCT NEWS + PRODUCT NEWS + PRODUCT NEWS + PRODUCT NEWS ORTHOSOLE LETS IT’S CUSTOMERS DO THE TALKING “Great insoles from someone the prescription easily by swapping They also come on a nice stand who knows!!!!” - the parts in the arch support and which takes up a very small footprint @chrisw_williams metatarsal areas. in the shop for easy display. “Got some more cricket matches Shoe repairers love them because Come and see Ronnie and Lorraine coming up @RonnieIrani1 and when a customer buys a couple of for a full demonstration at the need some more @orthosole pairs of insoles at £24.99 it is a nice Cutting Edge Show in Birmingham on please mate, great product and it sale. Not only that evidence is that September 24th or alternatively ask works!” - @flintoff11 customers are so pleased with them your Charles Birch representative for Thank you for the inserts, it was they tell their friends who also come more details. very kind of you to send them in for a pair. on. I have been using wearing them non-stop & they are really helping!”- Graham, leg injuries due to a car accident. Orthosole was introduced to the shoe repair trade by co-founder and ex England cricketer Ronnie Irani at the Cutting Edge Exhibition in Leeds last year. The insole which is unique and patented by Ronnie worldwide includes a pack of adjustable pieces to ensure that each insole fits perfectly for the customer. Customers love them because they make each insole bespoke to their own requirements and as their requirements change they can alter

As the name suggests, the design was inspired by CROCO’s design pattern is direction-free, so you nature, and the innovative crocodile skin design of can cut the units and halfsoles in any direction with TOPY MAKE IT CROCO has been very well received in extensive minimal wastage from the sheet. consumer testing prior to full production. CROCO is offered in 4 mm and 6 mm thickness SNAPPY ! CROCO sheet is soft, very soft as it made from a and 5 colours are currently available: black (181), special foam material. This fits the current market dark brown (146), brown (135), beige (117), light Today, there are two leading footwear concepts - trend and is suitable both for comfortable leisure grey (119) and white (109). fashionable shapes and colours on the one hand shoes as well as for orthopedic shoes. The For orthopaedic shoes CROCO matches perfectly and comfortable shoes on the other. The latter is softness and lightness ensure that CROCO is shock often described as ‘soft walking’. In fact, more and with EVA build up sheets (Topy Cellolight & other absorbing and really comfortable as well as having EVA material). more soft, comfortable material is required in shoe excellent slip-resistant properties. repair – as both units, and soles and heels. Ask T. COLLEDGE AND SON for the new For the more technically minded, the hardness To meet this demand, Topy has launched a CROCO sheets or contact TOPY ([email protected]) moves in the low range by about 50 Shore A, the very fashionable and innovative sheet ready for further information. density in the range of about 0.55 g / cm3. for the Summer season: CROCO.

40 41 be booked out for another I had only been in the trade for a function. Bristol, Sheffield, year and was very young so to FIRST EXHIBITION MEMORIES Dunstable to name but a few. see the very big lorries arriving Robin Healy those days, going with my father to a Dinkie, Harborough Rubber, Odell and Race courses such as Sandown, with all their contents was very huge National exhibition at Leicester. Good Year competed for business. Haydock and Doncaster. Edinburgh surprising, among the machinery When our editor asked for for the regionals. So many I can’t exhibitors were Power Shoe contributions from the editorial Well when you are only 12 everything Brand names such as Superfine, is huge. My father hired a Ford Unigrip, Translite, and Its-o-lite were remember them all. Machines (who I worked for) K&B, committee about their experiences of The shows were always very Whitfields and Standard their first Cutting Edge exhibition my Thames mini bus and took a group of prominently displayed. Rubber solution local repairers down to the famous De from various manufacturers was the popular (except Newcastle) Engineering with showings on thoughts went back immediately to the because they were a shop other stands of HARDO & Mebus. mid 1980’s. The venue was the Montfort Halls for a show arranged I normal adhesive but Frank Ball and Co catering van being unloaded in think by Shoe and Leather News which had brought out Gripsotite which window for new products and People came from all over Europe Harrogate Exhibition Hall, a fabulous front of us and decided there and to see the offerings. Add to these was the trade bible at the time. I recall revolutionised the trade. then to avoid food and drink all new ideas and a place to ask setting and in those days held over two questions and make new all the various suppliers stands we days. The place was alive and bustling very well the scratchy vinyl seats in the Shoe polish manufacturers such as day. Newcastle when hardly mini bus (short trousers remember), contacts. They still are hugely filled the hall easily, those were with eager visitors wanting to know Meltonian Wren, Properts, Kiwi, Tuxan, anyone turned up because it was the days when most towns had a the cloud of second hand smoke from Carr Day and Martin and Cherry so far away from civilisation (the interesting to attend if only a few about anything and everything that more visitors would come and see few independent repairers who was new. Order books everywhere numerous Woodbines, Capstans and Blossom were all individual companies show venue not Newcastle). Senior Service fags, the long journey the benefits for themselves. made the effort to travel to see were being filled. Someone asked us if all with well known products and Kettering when the gale force their mates and catch up on the we would mind letting him use a from Yorkshire to Leicester on pre fiercely competitive salesmen. Shoe winds blew a tree down on the Obituary motorway roads. The halls filled with news (this was before days of corner of our stand, he had a new cleaning was massive business at that approach road and the police very Peter Coulson www). Gavin Huckerby 1967 – 2017 product that he wanted to men in shiny Sunday best suits time. How things change. kindly turned everyone away. Hotel wandering the aisles looking for It was memorable for a few Times have changed, we have It is with great sadness we announce the display but wasn’t yet I’ve been to a few shows over the shows where we could only reasons least not that the UK was passing of Gavin Huckerby.’Gav’ had been freebies as well as free beer and fags. access the hall from 5 am on the advanced although some may confident enough to have a years, a great many organised by the hit by an extratropical cyclone that disagree, numbers and suppliers a big part of the Glenway team over the stand of his own. The Stands with oh so self-important morning of the show and had to Directors and Sales Managers late Eric Wilson whose drive and weekend causing carnage and have gone down, skills have last 27 years. He was the van driver on “product” was an animated determination were vital ingredients of set up whilst still hungover and death with winds reaching up to marshalling their sales forces. Big half asleep and then clear away diversified - we really don’t know our No2 route for the past 10 years so he nodding cobbler. He sold out their very existence. G Mex at 120mph in the South plus the where we will be or what we will was well known by many of our of stock in the first day and names at the time were British United before six pm as the room would Shoe Machinery (or BUSM as it was Manchester in the late 80’s when Gotz infamous suggestion by the be doing in the future. Looking customers in all corners of the country. had to return to his workplace were the first non UK exhibitor to BBC’s Michael Fish of a back I think everyone would have for extra supplies. We known for short). Whitfield Hodgson We send our thoughts to his wife and Brough, The Standard Shoe show. The disastrous Royal false alarm which is now been shocked if they knew where Gemma, as well as his 5 children and benefitted from the attraction Horticultural Hall show in Westminster celebrated as a classic we would be now but we must that the cheery little mannequin Machinery Co Ltd. and Keats and grandchildren. Bexon. Tanners and sole cutters by the in 1990 (I think) when I believe Adrian gaffe,. Fortunately my first progress. We refurbish the brought and had a great show. Coppin arranged a search party to exhibition was in 1987 at Here is a great memory of Gav receiving dozen. Harvey Lee, Barrow Hepburn machines now that were on offer his ‘Gold Watch’ for 25 years loyal service But then I thought back, Harrogate roam the neighbourhood streets the Gmex stadium in and Gale, Wares, R.S. Lawrence, new then, as with anything to do to Genway Products. wasn’t my first experience of Shoe looking for potential visitors because no Manchester which was a with shoe repairs we are the Croggans, Turners of Ipswich, He will be greatly missed by us all. Repair shows. I remember in the mid Lancashire Leather Company and many one, not even the London cabbies, fairly calm city otherwise. original recyclers making as much 1960’s as a boy of around 12 years old, more. Rubber companies such as could find the damn place. Leicester in My main memory of the use of materials we can. Tim Wilford still in short trousers, as we were in Phillips, Redferns, Sussex Rubber, ITS, the early 90’s when we watched the show was how big it was, Glenway Products Ltd.

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Order now from your local Charles Birch Representative MADE TO LAST AT or Leeds Freephone 0800 591558 LEAST or Rochford Freephone 0800 585313. 15 RAINY www.charlesbirch.com DAYS

42 43 PRODUCT NEWS + PRODUCT NEWS + PRODUCT NEWS + PRODUCT NEWS PRODUCT NEWS + PRODUCT NEWS EASY LACE GOES FROM SEE SKS AT CE EX! STRENGTH TO STRENGTH JMAKeyPro app, search for the duplicator. This new duplicating reference number of the key to be machine allows you to duplicate key duplicated and enter the reading and fobs in just three easy steps. copying orders. The JMAKeyPro app Furthermore, the technology of this is operated through a touchscreen device makes the process fast and tablet and includes the entire key reliable. catalogue of JMA and their Thanks to this new model, JMA equivalents. extends its wide range of duplicating The multi-purpose nature of machines for copying any kind of key. MULTICODE is guaranteed because With K-PROX, you will be able to of the interchangeable clamp copy keys and cards from many system. With this double use for brands like JCM, AERF, CELINSA, each clamp system, you can easily ERREKA, MULTANCODE, FAAC, switch from duplicating security keys MASTERCODE, APRIMATIC… to vehicle keys. The speed of the This model guarantees a process that machine can be seen in the power can be done in three simple steps. of its motor, which allows for a fast Firstly, the original key needs to be cutting speed and keys to be cut in a placed in the reading area and press With the addition of new vans to the Charles Birch fleet all liveried up single motion. This is all done with the “read” button. Then, place the with Easy Lace graphics and the introduction of the new Kids range the utmost precision. JMA KP-01 key in the reading area ready for back to school, Easy Lace is going from strength to From its remote control line, SKS will and press “copy”. Finally, check that strength. have available for all visitors the new the code transferred properly by “With new stockists every month and new markets opening up all over the M-BT model, the characteristics of hitting the “check” button while the world, we are delighted with the way Easy Lace sales continue to grow” which will spark interest in many KP-01 key is still in the machine. explained Birch Sales Director David Barber. visitors. The extensive line of JMA JMA is offering a solution for the remote controls have taken a leap in constantly expanding contactless key technology with the launch of the all market, thanks to this all new K- new M-BT model. PROX machine. This device integrates all the The last of the four products that DR. SHOE & THE features of JMA remote controls and SKS will be presenting at the Cutting adds the use of next generation Edge Exhibition will be the M-FR1. mobile technology to generate and This model of remote control is copy remote controls. capable of automatically and SUPERHERO! The remote control connects to your wirelessly duplicating the frequency During his recent trip to New Zealand He had come from Canada some mobile phone and the and code. Capable of duplicating 95% supporting the British Lions rugby years ago to set up his life in New JMARemotesPro app, developed by of fixed codes and over 40 rolling team Chris Wilson happened to meet Zealand and brought his truck with JMA, via Bluetooth. With this mobile code brands onto any of the buttons, one of the more colourful characters him, ready to take on Mr Minit which SKS are pleased to present the large number of keys to be produced application, users can generate and wireless code and frequency capture in the shoe repair trade. While on the is still strong in Australia and New new range of JMA products at in a short time, thus meeting the copy remote controls quickly, easily with no need for adjustments. Each road in his hired mobile home, Chris Zealand, Unbelievably with his old the upcoming Cutting Edge demands of your growing customer and intuitively, available for iOS and button uses different codes and parked up in Rotorua on the North style wheels on a shaft and battered Exhibition. base. Android. frequencies. Duplicate four remote Island and soon noticed an retro style old key machines Austin is the main The new range of JMA products MULTICODE stands out because it The M-BT remote control copies 95% controls on a single JMA remote army Jeep truck parked nearby with shoe repairer in the area. control. has the latest innovation features the latest technology. One of fixed codes and more than 40 ‘Dr Shoe Mobile Shoe & Bag Repairs’ Sadly Austin is due to retire soon or available in the market. All of the most highly appreciated rolling code brands and is capable of Besides the launch of these new splashed all over it. Chris would surely have tempted him visitors will have an exclusive aspects is the extreme ease with integrating codes for four different products, a selection of products The owner Dr. Shoe, aka Austin, was to take a new Silca machine! insight into the technology and which the machine can be operated, original remote controls in a single from our IFAM & MAXUS ranges nearby and was happy to show Chris quality with which JMA works; thanks to the JMAKeyPro app. device. Thus, you will just need a will be available for our round his ‘business empire’! in addition to seeing the speed customers. Visit our stand for Through the tablet that is single remote control to open your and ease of use of each of the garage doors, gates, etc. demonstrations and further products that will be presented. incorporated within the machine, you information. can quickly and easily duplicate a SKS will also be exhibiting the new One of the main attractions for key. All you have to do is open up the JMA K-PROX contactless key visitors will be the first presentation of the new JMA MULTICODE electronic duplicator; the most recent addition to its complete line of electronic key duplicator machines. MULTICODE is a compact electronic key cutting machine that offers an all-in-one solution for professionals who wish to expand their key cutting business. Due to its multi-functional nature, this machine can duplicate flat, security and vehicle keys. Thanks to its compact size, it can be used in small spaces and its speed enables a Chris Wilson with Austin (he tells us he isn’t wearing a superhero cape, but a British Lions flag... OK Chris we believe you!) 44 45 SPOTLIGHT

If you were to get stuck in a lift who would you want in there with you, and why? Jackie Charlton - the 1960’s & 1970’s Leeds United defender and World Cup Winner, a massive character, the anecdotes on Leeds Chris Wilson MD of Charles Birch and Ireland would be endless. The door of the Cutting Edge office What is the best piece of advice flew open and in stumbled their ace An easy question first, Chris... that someone has given you? reporter. “Sorry I’m late Boss” he what was your favourite subject said, hurriedly wiping oily hands on his at school or university and has it “You only have one life, make the most of it, work hard, play hard” already grubby jacket. helped you since you left? ... and the worst? “Whatever’s the matter I wasn’t much of an academic! My Fairweather?” asked the Editor. favourite subject was Rugby Union A nice Irish chap tarmacking the “You look shocking.” and I played for both the school and road outside the Leeds warehouse, “Why don’t I just fill in a few of your “I think I’ve bust a gasket...” Clarkston RUFC in Glasgow whilst at university there. It certainly helped Who do you most admire in potholes? The rest, as they say, is “Should I call an ambulance?” me to get used to a few batterings!! Business today and why ? history!” “No but a breakdown truck would ... and what was your first paid Apologies for the cliché answer but it If you were given £1000 to be good. I’ve had to walk here job? has to be Sir Richard Branson, not spend on yourself what would bad for a chap with dyslexia. you do with it? from the Inner Ring Road. My old As a kitchen porter (washer-up) at motorbike’s packed in again and the Buck Inn in Buckden, North Smartening myself up with a new I’ve had to leave it there!” Yorkshire. wardrobe is very long overdue. “OK, I’ll see to that while you get How and when did you become What in your opinion is the best yourself cleaned up. I need you to involved with the shoe repair thing a shoe repairer can do to get to the’ Spotlight’ interview trade? improve their business? ASAP!” My father opened up the Glasgow Always, and I mean always, smile “But like I said my bike’s out of warehouse of Charles Birch in 1981 and be pleasant to your customers. action.” during my second year at university Avoid letting anyone out of your “No problem I’ll get you a cab.” there. I went in to help in the shop without a sale. warehouse and never really left! “That’s ‘uber’ generous of you How do you think ‘Brexit’ might Boss!” Where is your favourite place? affect the trade? “Not really, you’re just going to As a keen walker, it has to be the In the short term it is really bad. 15 - 20% inflation on all goods from the other side of the city! Chris whole of The Dales Way, over 90 abroad, uncertainty in the economy, Wilson took over as Chairman of miles of non-stop beautiful countryside. lack of investment etc, etc. Athough Cutting Edge again in June so I I’m hopeful that in the medium and think it’s about time we had a What makes your ideal day away long term it will be fine and the UK word with him at his office. Do from work? economy and the shoe repair trade you remember when he was in A long walk with family or friends and will power on. the chair ten years ago?” of course my dog Lilly and a couple of How do you see the future for “I certainly do, and I remember beers afterwards. the Shoe Repair trade? when he had us all in the saddle How would you like to earn a Do you have a favourite piece of My father was advised in 1965 not on that national charity bike ride living if you were not in the job music or film? that he organised in 2008! He you are in at the moment? to invest in Charles Birch because took part in just about every leg David Bowie - Ziggy Stardust album the shoe repair trade was dying. That’s easy... lead singer in a Glam and the movie “Pulp Fiction” are right With the Brexit stuttering economy himself too! My one stint up in the Rock Band. Charles Birch in partnership with Silca North East nearly did for me. He up there. and Timpson pods people are saying the same again but I believe the was quite a hero in the trade back What do you consider has been future will be fine for all shoe then.” your best achievement? repairers in the right location, doing “He seems to fancy himself as a Building on my father’s unbelievable quality work and offering great super hero these days, according achievements. customer service. to a report I’ve had from Bruce ... and your worst mistake - if you ...and finally, how would you like down in New Zealand!” chuckled have one? to be remembered? Or if that is the Editor. One? There are too many to choose too morbid, what are your So later that afternoon Fairweather from! For instance, turning down an ambitions for the future? opportunity to see the Rolling Stones sat down with Chris (who was Not too morbid - He was a tryer in 1975 because they were too old! dressed as his alter-ego, MD of the (many would say I am very trying!). Charles Birch Group) and asked...

46 46 947 THE OLDEST CURRY SHOP IN SUFFOLK ? In the Summer issue of Cutting Edge magazine we included a feature about 70 year old Nottinghamshire repairer, Barry Hazard who had recently retired after 55 years in the trade with a company that had been trading for almost 100 years and asked readers to let us know if they could beat those statistics... Well, very soon after the magazine went out we were contacted by Brian Curry whose family business has been based in Bury St Edmunds for over 150 years, 58 of them in their current premises. Brian told us that he joined his father in the trade full time at the age of 15 back in 1961 though he had been helping out after school and during the holidays since the age of 12! He remembers repairing hob nail boots but he says there was no moulded footwear back in those days. In fact, Brian was the 5th generation of the Currys working in the family business and he has since been followed by his son Andrew who has much more than just shoe repairs to away as Scotland and worked with his Dad now for over 25 their customers that some time ago Wales.” years. they decided to change the name of Despite the success of Back in the latter half of the 1800s the business from Curry’s Footwear the online side of the boot maker James Curry started his to Curry’s Service Centre and, said business, local custom own business in a shop in Bury St Brian, it was the best thing for them. is still very important to Edmunds. This was carried on He went on “We try to do something the Currys and for them through the years first by his son new each year to keep the business it is important to make Samuel, then by Samuel’s son thriving. About six years ago we a good first impression. Charles with his brother Ben. Brian’s were the first in the UK to purchase Once through the smart father Jack Curry then ran the a Flexam finishing machine, last year blue door under the sign business from the 1950s until 1989 we bought our first laser engraving proudly announcing when Brian took over. At that point machine – now we have four and a “Curry’s Service Centre the family started to develop the sand blaster. We also have our own - Traditional Family business by taking on work such as website, Business, established replacing zips in bags and boots as www.currysshoerepairs.co.uk which over 150 years” customers step into “We’re hoping he’ll be the 7th well as leather repairs and we are currently updating. This has the shop and always find it clean and generation in the trade.” said Brian. alterations. revolutionised our business because tidy with a huge array of goods on ... No pressure then, Callum! Gradually more services were added now we not only have our local display to tempt them. Just as Now, over to you... if you think you including key cutting, sharpening and customers but also we get a steady important, says Brian, is the can top the Curry’s family story, you engraving – which is now a big part flow of requests for repairs and friendliness of the staff. Brian, his know what to do! See you in the of work they undertake. Since 1992 engraving from all around the UK. In wife Margaret, Andrew and their next issue maybe ? when Andrew joined the trade the fact at the moment we have orders young assistant family have transformed their ready to be dispatched to customers Hayden Brunning all try business. The family soon offered so in London, the Midlands, even as far to make every customer feel special. So that is the Currys’ success story so far but what about the future? Andrew’s son Callum is almost 15.

48 49 WEB DIRECTORY Classified SHOE CARE KEYS & KEY CUTTING www.davenport-burgess.com Davenport - Burgess are the UK’s leading specialist suppliers key blanks (over 18million in stock !), keys, key cutting equipment and locksmith’s tools plus a wide range of locking devices. We specialise in every aspect of our trade and not only offer the best, most reliable products with excellent support, but also www.victordebanke.co.uk have a next day delivery service available. www.dunkelman.com Shoe-String laces, insoles, shoe-care and leather-care, Woly and Famaco full The DASCO website – full details of the ranges. We stock all your shoe-care needs. comprehensive range of shoe care www.keyprint.co.uk 1000s of items in stock. Choose from a Keyprint is a leading trade only supplier to products for cleaning, protecting and massive range as well as display / point maintaining the appearance of footwear of sale stands. the UK’s lock and key cutting industry and accessories, plus a wide selection of Call 01858 467467 to place your order or with over 25 years experience. Over insoles, laces, shoe trees and bootshapers email [email protected] 9000 products in stock including leading global brands such as Silca, Assa, Schlage and Briton, as well as exclusive WHOLESALERS brands of quality security products 2000+ Premier, Esla, WKS, Wendt and Peterson Tools. ENGRAVING MACHINES WANTED

www.sks.co.uk Dedicated lock and key supplies site with Manual & computerised machines - e-commerce on machines, accessories, padlocks and specialised security and complete or incomplete - by Gravograph, locksmith products. Suregrave, Mastergrave, Signature, www.algeos.com www.charlesbirch.com U-Marq, Newing Hall, Dahlgren, etc. Algeos (A. Algeo Ltd) is the UK’s leading This easy to use site contains the full supplier to the orthopaedic, shoe making, range of Charles Birch products at special and footcare industries. Our product online discounted prices. Please contact: portfolio totals over 7000 product lines and Email: [email protected] to includes several key European agencies for receive your user name and password RONA MACHINES and start saving money straightaway www.nwkeys.co.uk high-technology footwear materials and Full range of keys, security products and components. whilst keeping up to date with the latest tel: 01992 899 255 developments at Charles Birch. machinery. Order online with a unique add to your order each day system. If it’s keys email: [email protected] online you want this site has them all. www.leatherandgrindery.com For all your Shoe Repair, Shoe care & Key cutting needs plus fantastic monthly offers BUSINESS FOR SALE IT’S EASY TO PLACE YOUR CLASSIFIEDS. the Leather & Grindery have it all. Our new Due to retirement. Long established shoe repair business including all easy to use website is just a few clicks JUST COMPLETE THIS FORM AND POST IT TO ARRIVE BEFORE machinery, stock & 25 year leasehold. No business rates. NOVEMBER 5TH 2017, FOR THE WINTER 2017 ISSUE. away from saving you a bundle & For details contact John on 02392 524913 or email: [email protected] discovering all the latest products available. www.silca.biz Name ...... The SILCA website – for full information on the latest electronic and mechanical Silca BUSINESS FOR SALE IN LANCASHIRE Address ...... www.tcolledgeandson.com machines. Log on and register to the Slica Shoe Repairs & Key cutting business with stock & equipment. Electronic Key Catalogue (EKC) to access Only one of 3 in town. Long lease available. With over 20,000 lines in stock and an easy the largest range of key blanks in the world ...... to use search facility, everything for the and where you can even build your For details contact 01524 422002 modern shoe repairer is a click-away. As personal catalogue. For more information Day time Tel: ...... well as offering a comprehensive range of call Silca Services on 0113 200 3926 shoe repair materials, a full range of shoe BUSINESS PREMISES FOR SALE IN WARRINGTON, CHESHIRE Please send your cheque, payable to Cutting Edge, with this order to: care products, key blanks, key machines, Currently used for key cutting, shooting (Registered Firearms Dealer) Cutting Edge, 4 Brown Lane West, Gelderd Road, Leeds LS12 6BH leather goods, watch straps and batteries, cycles, floristry. Also ideal for shoe repairs, fishing, etc. engravable products and gifts are available. REPAIR MACHINERY Busy corner property. Comprises shop, courtyard, large adjoining www.standardgroup.co.uk brick outbuilding, plus accommodation with living room, kitchen, ONE www.trlawman.co.uk Europe’s premier manufacturer of new shoe 3 bedrooms, bathroom, toilet. WORD For the benefit of all shoe repairers, we repair machinery. We build bespoke new and Business & all stock for sale due to retirement. fully reconditioned equipment in the UK for stock a wide variety of items in leather, Contact Len on 01925 415901 PER rubber, resin and other materials, full soles, sale here and abroad. We offer nationwide half soles, dancer soles, toe pieces, soles service cover, backed-up with the country’s BOX and heels for welted work, randing, welting, largest parts and consumables stores. Our Soltrack DIY repair kits, Indiana heels, soles website features complete machinery and much more. brochures, offers, tips and advice and is NEXT AD ARTWORK regularly maintained and updated. £46.00+VAT & EDITORIAL DEADLINE (minimum fee) SHOE REPAIR INDUSTRY ORGANISATIONS £55.20+VAT www.vibram.com www.somsr.com TH Log on to the VIBRAM website and The new Society of Master Shoe Repairers £64.40+VAT discover the latest developments from this website is now online with details of how NOVEMBER 5 dynamic forward thinking rubber company. you can join SOMSR and promote your Register into the repairers’ section to see business. the latest Vibram components which can £73.60+VAT be ordered through Charles Birch. FOR THE WINTER ISSUE OF CUTTING EDGE £82.80+VAT

50 51 Passionate about feet & shoes

We are pleased to announce the appointment of the Charles Birch Group as our UK Distributors.

FOR WARMTH & COMFORT CHOOSE THE WINTER RANGE OF BAMA INSOLES...

Ask your Charles Birch Representative for more details, call FREEPHONE Leeds 0800 591 558 or Rochford 0800 585 313 www.charlesbirch.com