Len Goodman, a pivotal figure in footwear manufacturing, passed away at 93, leaving a legacy in the shoe industry.
- Founding London Lane Shoes in the 1960s, Goodman established himself as a significant influence in UK shoe manufacturing.
- His business thrived by supplying major retailers, including the British Shoe Corporation, showcasing his strategic acumen.
- Goodman’s leadership and technical prowess earned him the admiration of his peers and family, notably mentoring nephew Daniel Rubin.
- As UK manufacturing competitiveness waned in the 1980s, Goodman closed his factory, symbolising the end of an era.
Len Goodman, a venerable figure in the shoe industry, passed away at the age of 93 on 23 July. His career spanned decades, marked by the establishment of London Lane Shoes in the 1960s, a company that significantly contributed to women’s fashion shoe production in the United Kingdom. Operating from its factory in Dalston, Hackney, an area known for its rich industrial heritage, Goodman positioned his brand as a staple in the UK’s manufacturing scene.
London Lane Shoes grew under Goodman’s leadership, reaching key retailers such as the British Shoe Corporation, which at its peak, boasted over 2,500 stores. This strategic partnership highlighted Goodman’s capability to penetrate the market effectively, ensuring his products were accessible nationwide.
Significantly, Goodman also sold his business to Clarks, which used the acquisition to create an unbranded manufacturing division. However, following the division’s closure in 1972, Goodman demonstrated resilience by reacquiring his company and continuing operations for a further decade and a half.
Daniel Rubin, founder of The Dune Group and Goodman’s nephew, worked alongside him for ten years and credits his uncle as an ‘inspirational and valuable mentor.’ Rubin remembers Goodman as a dedicated and innovative professional, often seen adapting machinery in the factory for specialised processes, a testament to his commitment to quality and innovation.
Ultimately, the decline in competitiveness of UK manufacturing led Goodman to close London Lane Shoes in 1988. The industry’s shift to production in the East marked the end of an influential chapter in British shoe manufacturing history, yet Goodman’s legacy endures through those he mentored and inspired.
Len Goodman’s passing marks the end of a transformative era in British footwear manufacturing, leaving a profound impact on the industry.
