Industrial Research Associations: IX.—British Boot, Shoe, and Allied Trades Research Association

Abstract

DURING the year 1918 a few prominent Northampton business men felt that it would be advantageous to encourage scientific research in connection with the boot, shoe, and leather industries. The Northampton Boot Manufacturers' Association was approached and promised support, as also did the more prominent leather manufacturers; but at first it was intended that only a local research scheme should be set on foot, conducted jointly by the Northampton boot, shoe, and leather manufacturers. The Research Department was asked for advice, and the secretary, Sir Frank Heath, having attended a conference at Northampton on September 24, 1918, urged strongly that a British Research Association for the boot and shoe industry should be established which should be national in its scope, and should work in co-operation with the Government Department. It was also decided that a separate association should be formed for leather manufacture, but that the Boot and Shoe Research Association should invite leather manufacturers to membership, as they would have many problems in common.