Business insights for the global leather community

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Jeopardy for the Walsall leather ecosystem

Mike Redwood

In his weekly column for ILM, Mike Redwood reflects on the town Walsall, renowned for its trade and specifically, its saddlery industry. As a result of its history, the town was home to the Leather Museum, for which industry experts have been fighting to keep active over the past year. Read More...

The surprising nonconformity of tanners

Mike Redwood

Drawing on research for an upcoming book on the leather industry, which revealed the surprising presence of Quaker, Baptist, Unitarian and other nonconformists in the sector, Mike Redwood reflects on how values of patience, trust and reputation underpin the success of tanners. Read More...

A new voice from ILM

Megan Thomas

In her first editorial comment as Editor, Megan Thomas reflects on the leather industry in the November/December 2025 issue of International Leather Maker (ILM). Read More...

Thinking big in the leather industry

Mike Redwood

Mike Redwood reflects on the trajectory of his career in the leather industry, including not just the impact of an important mentor but also the social, political and economic factors that influenced it. Read More...

It’s time to judge leather’s value differently

Mike Redwood

Mike Redwood takes a moment to explore the paradigm shifts that leather has endured and the numerous lenses through which it has been viewed over the years, noting the need to obsess less on growth as a measure of value and focus on leather’s full use over time. Read More...

What happened with leather in 2025

Mike Redwood

Mike Redwood reflects on 2025, the peaks and challenges the leather industry has faced, as well as what might come from 2026. From footwear trends to persisting anti-leather arguments, he takes 2025's lessons and suggests some hopeful next steps. Read More...

The EU regulatory roadblock

Mike Redwood

Mike Redwood reflects on the concept of a strong, united Europe, the historic success of EU initiatives in the leather industry, as well as what the current style of EU regulation means for the future of leathermaking. Read More...