This year the judges combined those with many years in the industry, such as Georgina Goodman, Caroline Groves, Steve Bracewell and Malcolm Collins.

Rollasole Ltd was the winner of The Worshipful Company of Cordwainers award for Innovation.  Matt Horan received the prize from Lance Shaw. The winner of the Joe Meltzer Travel Award was Dear Jane, who received the prize from Georgina Goodman. The BFA/FN PLATFORM Award for Export Potential was granted to Solillas, and Jonathan and Sarahjayne Matthew were presented with the plaque by John Saunders of the BFA. Solillas also received the Micro-Pak Ltd. award, delivered by Steve Bracewell of Micro-Pak Ltd.

Malcolm Collins from Footwear Friends commented: "Again this year we have seen an increase in applicants, and were impressed by the quality of the work that is being done. It is always difficult to choose between so much talent but we feel that the winners were those who not only had exciting product but business acumen as well, and as such will develop into major players in the footwear industry. I am also delighted that so many people attended the event and by doing so supported the trade's unique charity."

Income from the event goes to the charitable works of Footwear Friends.

For further information and a full slide show of the event photographs please visit the event's website.