Hotter Shoes: Back on the front foot

Hotter Shoes chief executive Ian Watson is confident the UK’s biggest footwear manufacturer will continue to make great strides on its journey towards new owners and a bright digital future.

He’s had a challenging two years leading the step-change at the Skelmersdale business that sells more than 1.3 million pairs of shoes a year and currently employs around 500 people.

Last July, after a company voluntary arrangement (CVA) proposal got the green light from creditors, the business permanently closed 59 of its 82 stores.

The move, which led to the loss of just shy of 400 jobs, pre-empted the hammering on the high street and accelerated Hotter’s long-term business strategy to become a digital-first retailer.

Ian, whose impressive CV includes roles as chief executive of Start-Rite shoes and as Germany-based European managing director of Britax Childcare, was appointed in March 2019 to reposition the West Lancashire brand as a leading name in e-commerce.