Boris Johnson visits University of Northampton

Boris Johnson, Mayor of London visited the University of Northampton’s Park Campus today as part of a tour of the UK.

Boris’ only stop in Northampton saw him visit the University with Michael Ellis, MP for Northampton North. The pair met Chief Operating Officer Terry Neville, Nick Tusting, Tusting’s Leather and John Loxton, Pittards​ before a tour of the University’s Institute of Creative Leather Technologies (ICLT). ICLT Director Rachel Garwood and representatives from the Worshipful Company of Leathersellers’, answered questions regarding the University’s rich and varied leather history, links with the global industry, as well as fashion, footwear and sustainable supply chain education. Boris had the chance to put his leather skills to the test by constructing a leather cow.

Michael Ellis and Boris also visited the University restaurant, where they met with university students and staff, taking questions from the audience on a variety of subjects.

Speaking about this visit Boris said: “I had an absolutely fantastic time at the University and really enjoyed talking to the students. I am really grateful that they let me interrupt their normal proceedings to talk to me about their fantastic skills in leather making and then show me how to make a leather cow.”

Terry Neville, Chief Operating Officer, said: Terry Neville, Chief Operating Officer, said: “I was delighted to welcome Mr Johnson to the University of Northampton today, to meet our students and staff and to offer him an insight into the close working relationship between the University and key industry partners, including the Worshipful Company of Leathersellers.  These relationships are key to our ongoing success as a University through the support for the development of enterprise skills, employability and social impact, issues which Mr Johnson will be well aware of in his role as Mayor of London.”

Boris also shared his future aspirations by completing a #LISTITLIVEIT, a University of Northampton initiative which aims to inspire people to set goals and ‘do something today that your future self will thank you for’. Boris’ ambition is to: “Give the UK leather Industry the global recognition it deserves!”

To follow the conservation and view any pictures of Boris’ time on campus #BORISONCAMPUS