---
type: Collection Page
title: "Saddlery Trade News"
description: "New leather qualifications, the Walsall Leather Skills Centre and awards with the Society of Master Saddlers: the latest saddlery trade news."
resource: "https://thesaddlers.org/news/trade"
tags: [saddlers-news, saddlers-company, news, trade]
generated: { by: process:saddlers-site-build, at: 2026-10-20T15:16:16Z }
status: stable
sources:
  - id: page
    resource: "https://thesaddlers.org/news/trade"
    title: "Saddlery Trade News | Saddlers' Company"
    author: "team:the-saddlers-company"
---
# Saddlery Trade News

Trade news covers The Saddlers' Company's support for the saddlery craft and industry, from apprenticeships and skills qualifications to awards run with partners such as the Society of Master Saddlers and Cockpit Studios.[^page]

## What This Stream Covers

The Company underwrites the work of the Society of Master Saddlers and has run a Saddlery Skills Assessment and Qualification Scheme since 1984 with the City & Guilds of London Institute. Recent trade stories include Master Saddler John Robinson presenting the Equine Fitter of the Year award to Sophie Sperling at the BETA Awards Dinner at the NEC, the Capel Manor College Leather Showcase where Mary Lewis of the Heritage Crafts Association spoke on the importance of craft skills, and the Level 1 SEG award developed in 2024 to give newcomers an entry point into working with leather.

Other stories cover the Bayes Business School 'Business for Creatives' programme, jointly sponsored by the Company, and the new Saddlers' Award developed with Cockpit Studios, a three-year opportunity for a skilled maker in saddlery or leathercraft closing 30 September 2025.

## Frequently asked questions

### What trade support does The Saddlers' Company provide?

The Company underwrites the Society of Master Saddlers, funds skills qualifications with City & Guilds, and backs apprenticeship schemes including the Millennium Apprenticeship Scheme and the Level 1 SEG leather award.

### Who is featured in the Company's trade news?

Recent trade stories feature Master Saddler John Robinson, Sophie Sperling of Sperling Saddles, and Mary Lewis of the Heritage Crafts Association.

## Related concepts

- [News](/pages/news.md)
- [Equestrian News from the Saddlers](/pages/news/equestrian.md)
- [Charity News from the Saddlers](/pages/news/charity.md)
- [Livery](/pages/news/livery.md)
- [Events](/pages/news/events.md)
- [Bayes 'Business for Creatives' Programme Celebrates Success](/pages/news/trade/bayes-business-for-creatives-programme-celebrates-success.md)
- [Business for Creatives Course Developed with Bayes Business School](/pages/news/trade/business-for-creatives-course-developed-with-bayes-business-school.md)
- [Capel Manor College Leather Showcase and Awards Hears from Mary Lewis of the Heritage Crafts Association](/pages/news/trade/capel-manor-college-leather-showcase-and-awards-hear-from-mary-lewis-of-the-heritage-crafts-association.md)
- [Equine Fitters Council and Directory](/pages/news/trade/equine-fitters-council-directory.md)
- [Natasha Baker OBE Supports Society of Master Saddlers](/pages/news/trade/natasha-baker-obe-supports-society-of-master-saddlers.md)
- [New Saddlers' Company Award Developed with Cockpit Studios](/pages/news/trade/new-saddlers-company-award-developed-with-cockpit-studios.md)
- [SEG Level 1: Introduction to Leather](/pages/news/trade/seg-level1-introduction-to-leather.md)
- [Sophie Sperling Wins Equine Fitter of the Year Award at British Equestrian Trade Association International Fair](/pages/news/trade/sophie-sperling-wins-equine-fitter-of-the-year-award-at-british-equestrian-trade-association-international-fair.md)
- [Walsall Leather Skills Centre Increases Offering](/pages/news/trade/walsall-leather-skills-centre-increases-offering.md)
- [William Fox-Pitt and Natasha Baker Lend Their Support for Directory Listing Professional Fitters](/pages/news/trade/william-fox-pitt-and-natasha-baker-lend-their-support-for-directory-listing-professional-fitters.md)

[^page]: Saddlery Trade News | Saddlers' Company, https://thesaddlers.org/news/trade