In his latest comment, Mike Redwood discusses Large Language Models (LLMs) - or, as they're more commonly known, AI searches. He argues that these models will continue to scrape data, primary and secondary sources to create optimised narratives, and provides some clear action points for the leather industry if it is to ensure it is summarised positively in such searches. Read More...
In his latest comment, Mike Redwood comments on “destructive scanning”, a process whereby secondhand books are acquired, fed to AI for learning purposes and then destroyed. He criticises this practice, noting the potential this has to completely erase historical records, margin notes and leather making processes. Read More...
In his latest comment, Mike Redwood discusses the decision by Ecco Leather to move all its facilities to its Asian plants. Read More...
After almost four decades working in the leather sector, including 20 years with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), Ivan Kral will retire effective July 31, 2026, closing the final chapter of a career focused on technical excellence, knowledge sharing and international development. Read More...
In his latest comment, Mike Redwood references the new cinematic release of The Odyssey. From costume design to the way that leather is naturally embedded in human history, he unpacks the significant impact this animal byproduct has had through the ages. Read More...
In his latest comment, Mike Redwood reflects on watching the 1966 FIFA World Cup final in Germany, noting that the leather footballs were made by Slazenger in Yorkshire, before arguing that Walsall's decision to retain its Leather Museum offers an opportunity to preserve vital leathermaking skills. Read More...
The closure of the Institute for Creative Leather Technologies in 2023 echoed the demise of the Leathersellers' College almost half a century earlier. Historian Ian Stone argues that both reflect wider changes in Britain's leather industry, higher education and the long-running debate over the role of technical training. Read More...
Reflecting on his early career working at Richardsons and Barrow Hepburn, Mike Redwood discusses deindustrialisation, Braudel’s ground floor and the leather community in his latest ILM column. Read More...
In his latest ILM column, Mike Redwood shares insight from the Leatherwork Showcase and Prizegiving event at Capel Manor. Read More...
ILM Editor Megan Thomas summarises the major regulatory development that is set to exclude leather from the EU Regulation on Deforestation-free Products (EUDR). Read More...
International Leather Maker is a business information brand
produced by Edify Digital Media Ltd
Follow our social accounts
