In this episode Katie Greenyer talks to Tim Cooper, CEO and Cobbler-In-Chief of Oliver Sweeney, and finds out what makes him tick. Footwear is in Tim’s blood having generations of cobblers and shoemakers before him, even though at first, he resisted its siren call! 

After graduating in Economics at university, Tim followed the family passion serving a comprehensive factory apprenticeship in France, where he learned the skills and processes involved in the manufacture of footwear (along with some rather dubious factory floor French…). His subsequent career has taken him around the globe sourcing from among the world’s best, and it shows with Oliver Sweeney posting record profits in spring 2024. 

Katie and Tim discuss his love of the design process, craftsmanship and issues of quality over quantity; the balance of the elements of construction alongside playfulness and fashion trends. The aim, he insists, is to create something that feels great, lasts well, and remains relevant over time. 

They touch on issues of using quality materials from known provenance and building relationships from the factory floor up. They examine how the company has diversified, what works and what hasn’t and debate the ‘bonkers’ collaborations to hit the headlines and spike sales from Jack Daniels to Channel 4 whilst avoiding the dreaded pitfall of becoming too ‘novelty’. 

Tim shares key advice for those starting out in the footwear business. Discover how you can set yourself apart and how going back to basics and learning the fundamentals of shoe production will be an important investment in your future.