How long have you been at New Balance?
22 Years.
Have you always made footwear?
Most of us have. Most of us came from Millers shoes in Cockermouth.
What has changed since you started working in Flimby?
I feel we are now making a shoe that is more appealing to our customers.
What is your best memory of working for New Balance?
The 25 year’s celebration of UK manufacturing back in 2007. The firm put on a huge party for all of us workers in a huge in the marquee. The drinks were flowing, dancing and moves busting out all over the place – a brilliant night to remember.
What is your favourite New Balance silhouette to work on?
It would have to be the M/W576 with the new leathers we use. Really nice shoe to work with.
What are you wearing today?
You’ll always catch me in a pair of M576BET cutting room shoes. So comfortable I can work in them all day long and still pop down the pub looking half decent in them.
How do you feel about people buying a shoe that not only you have made but you have inspired the design and has your signature on?
I never thought it would happen to me in my lifetime. Shocked really but it just shows that if you work hard at something long enough, you too can excel.
Photos by houyhnhnm
