The Abbey England Podcraft

In the final episode of Season 7, host Ishbel Watson is joined by Alice Robinson and Sarah Grady, co-founders of British Pasture Leather—a pioneering initiative connecting fashion with regenerative agriculture. Together, they unpack how British Pasture Leather is reshaping perceptions of leather by sourcing hides from pasture-fed, high-welfare farms certified by Pasture for Life. Alice and Sarah s...

In this episode, host Ishbel Watson speaks with Bridie Rimmer, founder of Luxe Rebel Leather Co, about her journey as a self-taught leatherworker. Bridie shares her passion for heirloom fashion, custom craftsmanship, and sustainable design. They explore the emotional depth of bespoke pieces, how fashion empowers identity, and the value of transparency in material sourcing. Bridie also discusses th...

In this episode, host, Ishbel Watson sits down James Boston, Managing Director of Waltham Tannery. James shares what it means to carry forward a fourth-generation leather legacy rooted in Garston Tanning, founded in 1899. He discusses Waltham’s evolution, orthopaedic innovations, and the art of custom leatherwork. From industry shifts and sustainability to recruiting the next generation, James off...

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Tiffany Parkinson , Master Saddler, Bridle Maker, and now bespoke knife-maker at Savernake Knives. Tiffany takes us on a journey through her three-decade-long career in traditional craftsmanship — from her early apprenticeship days with Kay Hastilow, to her days at EJ Wicks, to receiving a prestigious QEST scholarship, and winning accolades for her award...

An inside look at how Scottish Leather Group hasreduced its carbon intensity by 90%, and the pioneering processes behind it. In today’s conversation, we explore how Scottish Leather Group's rich history has shaped its modern identity, the key innovations that have driven it forward, and what it takes to blend centuries-old craftsmanship with future-focused solutions. We’ll also dig into SLG’s...

In the season 7 premiere of Abbey England Podcraft ,Ishbel Watson sits down with Mark Boddington, founder of the renowned bespoke furniture maker, Silverlining. Mark shares his journey in high-end furniture design, the joy of storytelling through craftsmanship, and how Silverliningaims to create pieces worthy of museum collections. From insights into emerging global markets, to the role of AI in t...

In our final episode of Season 6 of T he Abbey EnglandPodcraft, Ishbel Watson is joined by Catherine Morris, Trade, Equestrian, and Charities Advisor at the Worshipful Company of Saddlers. This short episode shines a spotlight on the Business forCreatives course—an inspiring initiative developed by Bayes Business School in collaboration with the Saddlers’ Company and the Leathersellers. If you're...

In this heartfelt episode, Ishbel Watson interviews Hazel Morley as she reflects on her 31-year career with the Society of Master Saddlers. Hazel highlights the societies strong commitment to high-quality training and professional development. She discusses the Society’s recognition by City & Guilds and OFQUAL, underscoring its role in setting national standards for saddlery and saddle fitting...

In this week’s episode, we sit down with Jack Millington,founder of Billy Tannery. We discuss the world of micro tanning, a sustainable small-scale leather production method. He explains the tanning process, including vegetable tanning, which uses natural extracts to treat hides. Jack discusses the challenges of operating one of the UK’s few micro tanneries, from sourcing local goat and deer hides...

In this episode of the Abbey England podcast, Ishbel Watsoninterviews Christian Lowe, a skilled saddle maker specialising in French saddlery repair. They discuss the need for greater collaboration between saddle fitters and manufacturers, emphasising how mutual involvement could improve both craftsmanship and service. Christian highlights the benefits of cooperative business models, referencing su...

In this episode of The Abbey England Podcraft , host Ishbel Watson speaks with Master Saddler Jason McCabe, founder of Leather Designs. With over 17 years in the film industry, Jason has crafted intricate leather props for blockbuster films like Napoleon, The Little Mermaid, The Last Duel, Snow White and the Huntsman, Captain America , and many more. He shares insights on transitioning from tradit...

In this insightful episode, we sit down with John Pearce,Chief Executive of Made in Britain, to discuss the significance of British manufacturing and the impact of the Made in Britain and Made in Northern Ireland trademarks. John provides an overview of the organisation’s mission, its collaboration with UK government departments, and how it supports manufacturers in promoting their products both d...

In this episode, we speak with our long-standing customer, Robin Coleman, a Master Saddler and Harness Maker whose exceptional craftsmanship has earned recognition from leading luxury brands like Aston Martin. Robin shares fascinating insights into his collaboration with Aston Martin, where he has not only crafted bespoke accessories but also contributed to the development of integral components f...

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with our scholarship winner, Katy Warriner, a talented leatherworker with over 11 years of experience. Katy shares her journey into the world of leathercraft, what initially drew her to the art, and the profound impact of receiving this scholarship. We also delve into the challenges she faced earlier this year, including a moment when she considered closing h...

This week on The Abbey England Podcraft, we speak with Bliss of London’s Managing Director, Nikki Newcombe. In this episode, Nikki shares the story of how she started Bliss of London, what drives her commitment to quality and animal welfare, and the powerful marketing strategies that have elevated her brand to the forefront of the luxury saddlery market. We also get a behind-the-scenes look at wha...

Our guest this week is Alistair Tusting, Director of Tusting and Chair of the Leather Trade Committee.   Alistair speaks on behalf of the Leathersellers and shares how businesses can benefit from their support while making a compelling case for industry-wide collaboration to drive success. We also dive into the story behind his family business, Tusting, exploring how they’ve built and sustained a...

In this episode, we sit down with Andrew Sankey, a former professional guitar player turned saddler, to explore his incredible journey from the stage to saddlery. We dive into Andrew's life before his career switch, uncovering his passion for music and what led him to trade his guitars (literally) for saddlery and leatherworking tools. Andrew shares the fascinating process of how he became a train...

In this episode, we speak with the Director of The Walsall Leather Skills Centre, Patrick Burns. We delve into Patrick’s previous life prior to entering the saddlery industry. Patrick also shares his vision for the Walsall Leather Skills Centre, gives us a rundown on the courses available and what students can expect to learn, as well as some key advice for business wanting to survive and thrive i...

This week on The Abbey England Podcraft, we speak with Simon Yarwood, CEO and Publisher, of World Trades Publishing.   In this episode, we delve into the current challenges facing the leather industry, debunk common misconceptions with some startling facts, and explore the evolution of tanneries towards sustainability with our esteemed guest and leading publisher in the leather sector. Simon also...

This week on The Abbey England Podcraft, we speak with Lauren Broxton. Lauren is a Fashion Designer and Maker of bespoke, contemporary leathergoods, which are made to last using reclaimed saddlery leather from the Saddlers of Walsall. We discuss her design process, the limitations of using reclaimed leather, prepping techniques and the commissions Lauren has undertaken which have reached our TV sc...

This week on the Abbey England Podcraft , we speak with Fashion Designer and Owner of luxury leathergoods brand, Mimi Berry. Mimi’s ethos is to keep everything in the UK and utilises the skill and resources UK manufacturing has to offer. All their bags and accessories are made in the UK using the highest quality materials. We discuss how Mimi organically grew her business from a market stall in...

We talk takeovers, teaching, plans for Patrick Saddlery and some solid advice to those who are looking to maintain a career in saddler. After 33 years in the saddlery business, we think Les is more than qualified to speak on this!

This week on the Abbey England Podcraft, we speak with The Worshipful Company of Saddlers, Prime Warden, Hugh Taylor. Hugh tells us all about the help and funding available The Worshipful Saddlers Company offer, including their fully funded Bayes Business School course, as well as some key advice for businesses who are struggling in the current climate. A big thanks to Hugh for giving up his time...

To kick off season 4, we wanted to deliver a follow-up message from our CEO, Richard Brown. In this short episode, Richard gives an update on where the business currently stands, what our customers can look forward to and a heartfelt thank you to all our customers and suppliers for their continued support. For our regular listeners, you might notice we look different and sound different. We fancie...

Today’s episode discusses the most recent changes Abbey  England has undertaken, the reasons why and impact this will have on all of our stakeholders. Hear directly from Abbey England’s MD, Richard Brown.