Award-winning designs in leather

Entrepreneur Tony Weakford has won the Silver Medal at the prestigious Trading Places Awards this month. Tony was presented with the award, which included a cheque for £4,000 and a stunning glass trophy. He took up working with leather as occupational therapy after being involved in a motorcycle accident, and once he had recovered Tony decided to start his own business, turning his new-found hobby into what quickly became a thriving concern. Today Tony owns and manages the Leather Design studio based at the historic Bentley Wildfowl Museum in East Sussex where his ranges combine the classic with the cutting edge. Versatility in design and concept are key to the business and examples of leather flooring, clocks, chairs, bags, belts, corporate gifts, pet harnesses and even a personalised saddle for a Harley Davidson motorcycle are on display at the studio. Tony's clients include the Royal Shakespeare Company and a number of clothing boutiques.