INDEPENDENT
SHOEMAKERS
Conference
The 28th
SPONSORS
Main Conference Sponsor — Gilbert & Lisson
Gilbert & Lisson are experts in designing and producing high-quality, handmade, bespoke shoes and orthopaedic footwear. They provide a comprehensive range of customised orthotic solutions for adults and children. Each product is meticulously tailored to address individual needs, promoting optimal comfort, functionality, style and an improved quality of life.
Student Sponsor — The Worshipful Company of Pattenmakers
The Worshipful Company of Pattenmakers is one of the ancient Livery Companies of the City of London, whilst its original trade has disappeared, it is now an important supporter of the footwear sector.
The company has been recognised for its support of the Certificate in Bespoke Orthopaedic Footwear, facilitated by Master Shoemaker Bill Bird.
Speaker Sponsor — Northamptonshire
Chamber of Commerce
A Chamber of Commerce for Northamptonshire was founded in 1917 in response to the concerns of boot and shoe manufacturers over exports during the first world war. Since then Chamber membership has grown significantly and now represents around 1,000 Northamptonshire businesses – who employ over one third of the county’s workforce. We enjoy the enviable reputation of being the largest business support agency in the county.
We are indebted to the following organisations
and individuals who have sponsored the 2026 Independent Shoemakers Conference.
Please visit their various websites and support them.
THE 2026 SPONSORS
Website Sponsor — The Cordwainer
The Cordwainer, est 1996, is one of the UKs leading companies making bespoke orthopaedic shoes and boots for client with complex footwear needs. Based in the High Peak within the Peak District National Park, The Cordwainer has supported the conference for over twenty years.