Lambert Howarth, the largest supplier of footwear to Marks & Spencer, have invested in slip resistance and abrasion testing equipment, establishing their in-house testing centre in Burnley as the UK’s most extensively equipped retail suppliers’ laboratory. The equipment was purchased from Satra Technology, who also provided training and competence assessments of laboratory personnel.

Garry Hogarth, Lambert Howarth ceo, states: ‘Not only are we interested in design aesthetics, but the customers’ comfort and safety when wearing our products is also of vital importance.’

Theva A Thevaratnam from the quality management department at Marks & Spencer applauded Lambert Howarth’s commitment to ensuring that their footwear meets all safety and quality standards.

Concept LH, which is the branded side of the Lambert Howarth business, will also benefit as shoes supplied to FCUK, Lulu Guinness and Nicole Farhi are tested in-house.