UKLF - a new era

The UK Leather Federation (UKLF) will once again be participating at the Asia Pacific Leather Fair along with a small group of UK companies including Scottish Leather Group Limited, Joseph Clayton and Sons (Chesterfield) Ltd, East Hides Ltd and BLC Leather Technology Centre Ltd. As well as organising and supporting the UK group at the event, UKLF will be representing the interests of UK tanners and associated companies. Paul Pearson, director of UKLF, joined the British Leather Confederation in 1988 and the focus of his activities since then has been providing federation support to the UK membership. He has a history of work in trade associations, including 14 years with the Food and Drink Federation. While working with BLC, Pearson also acted as secretary to BLC Research, director of the Hide and Allied Trades Improvement Society and, since 1997, as secretary of the International Council of Tanners. Areas of special interest and expertise are raw material quality, environmental legislation, international trade and statistics. The federation's role is to represent and promote the interests of the UK Leather producing industry and all those who support, supply or use the output of the UK leather industry in the activities. UK Leather Federation (UKLF) is the representative body for the UK leather industry and offers a respected and authoritative route to government, the European Commission and the enforcement agencies. UKLF has a proven record in handling emergency situations (eg the BSE and Foot and Mouth Disease crises) representing the needs of the industry to government, resolving problems and providing an authoritative two-way route for the flow of information. UKLF membership of the CBI and Cotance, the European Tanners' Association, broadens and adds strength to its own representations in the UK and Europe. UKLF provides an information and enquiry service on issues affecting the industry including: environmental legislation, trade and raw material issues, health and safety, statistics. Information is disseminated through regular updates by circular, newsletter and in response to individual queries from members. UKLF members benefit from: * the Leather Sector Climate Change Agreement (CCA), which makes combined annual savings for participating companies in the region of £150,000, from their 80% discount on the Climate Change Levy * the UK Leather Website (www.ukleather.org), developed by the Marketing Group - with support from the Leathersellers' Company - to promote leather produced in the UK * advice and assistance on all aspects of marketing and trading UK leather, including questions on import and export certification on hides, skins and leather Through its committees UKLF offers members the opportunity to meet, share experiences and common challenges and develop policies and solutions to resolve individual problems and to help the industry in general. For further information on the UK leather industry or to learn more about UKLF and becoming a member, contact Paul Pearson on email paulpearson@uklf.org or telephone +44 1604 679917. UK Pavilion, Hall 2, 2D06/UK