Florence Kelly, rising star in footwear brand and product innovation, has been awarded the prestigious Pattenmakers' Footwear Future Leader's Award 2025.

Florence is the Hush Puppies brand manager at Gloucester-based distributor Gardiners. The award recognises her outstanding achievements and potential to shape the future of the footwear industry.

The Pattenmakers' Footwear Future Leader's Award 2025 is presented annually to an exceptional individual in the footwear industry who demonstrates remarkable leadership, creativity, and a commitment to drive positive change.

The scheme is open to young managers in both footwear and facilities management with the winner receiving bespoke training, networking and a unique development programme opportunity co-funded by the livery, as well as membership to the Company of Pattenmakers. Florene Kelly will also receive the Paice Memorial Bursary.

Florence, who was selected from a competitive pool of nominees, was presented the award last week at the annual banquet held at the Mansion House by Alderman Sir Andrew Parmley who is the representative of the Lord Mayor of London. The award was presented in the company of Lord Timpson.

Florence said: "I am incredibly honoured to receive The Pattenmakers' Footwear Future Leader's Award. This recognition motivates me to continue pushing boundaries in the footwear industry and in my career, providing enhanced training and networking opportunities and allowing me to connect with and learn from other industry leaders and inspiring businesses.

"I'm grateful to already be part of a community of passionate individuals with a driving vision at Gardiner Bros, and look forward to taking on new collaborative projects and challenges, spearheading innovative initiatives, and contributing to the evolving landscape of the footwear industry together with my team.

"It was a privilege to be nominated for this award and I am so looking forward to seeing what the next year holds."

Florence has worked with the Gloucestershire-based footwear and clothing wholesaler for five years, predominantly managing the iconic global footwear brand Hush Puppies.

Since graduating with a 1st class degree in retail she has worked with a number of fashion brands and designers gaining experience and a wealth of knowledge in brand strategy and product design.

With Florence enthusiastically driving the brand forward, Hush Puppies has seen a significant surge in popularity in the UK, successfully capturing the attention of fashion-forward individuals looking for an optimistic comfort brand. Many of the styles are designed and developed locally with Miss Kelly leading a team of talented specialists.

The award seeks out an enthusiastic professional who demonstrates impact, innovation and discipline within the industry, demonstrates commitment to their own personal development and continuous learning and displays a high standard of professional ethics.

Ben Gardiner, director and chief product officer, said: "This honour recognises Florence's contribution and dedication to our company, the Hush Puppies brand and the footwear industry. Florence has consistently excelled in the progression of the Hush Puppies brand increasing the brands turnover fivefold from 2018 - 2024.

"The judges noted that Florence embodies the qualities of a future visionary leader and a dedicated team player. Her natural skills, organisation, hard work, and dedication make her an exceptionally worthy winner of the award."

 Jane Wilson of The Worshipful Company of Pattenmakers,said: "We were delighted to make this award to Florence who impressed the panel with her dedication and commitment to self-improvement and excellence.

"She has a clear vision of her business priorities, where she is going in her career and what she needs. She is a worthy winner and the Livery look forward to working with her developing her support plan over the coming year."

Gardiners is a Gloucestershire-based family-run business with over 160 years' heritage, five successive generations and operates with just over 300 employees.

Fifth generation James Gardiner (CEO) and Ben Gardiner work with a house of directors and a strategic senior management team to drive the business forward. Distributing over 2.8 million items a year, the wholesaler is one of the largest UK footwear and clothing distributors to the trade operating from over 230,000 sq feet of purpose-built warehouse facilities.