Q. Introduce yourself
 I am Justin Morgan and have been a trustee at FIT since 2008.  Originally from Ireland I moved to Melton Mowbray in 1991, where I have lived since. I am married with three grown-up children, none of whom are in our great trade.
 
Q. What is your connection/history with the footwear industry?
 I have been in the shoe industry all my working life, having started working for a wholesaler in Ireland immediately after university.  I then moved to the UK with Rohde shoes in 1991 and have worked for UK and international shoe companies since then.  I purchased HB Shoes Ltd in 2008, it is a long-established shoe wholesale and distribution company which started in London in 1964.  We have wholesale, agency distribution, retail and Ecommerce interests in men’s, women’s and children’s shoes and work with brands such as Ara, Rohde & Bobux.
 
Q. Why did you get involved with FIT?
 I was aware of the work of the (then) Footwear Benevolent Society, and I was asked by Trustees Gordon Smart and Simon Goodman if I would come along to see what the Society did.  When I appreciated the non-judgmental and essential support the Trust was offering to my colleagues in the trade, and the need for volunteers, I was sold!
 
Q. What aspects of FIT are you most proud of?
 A number of years ago I was asked to take on the role of grants allocation – this allows me to experience firsthand the challenges faced by our colleagues in the industry who have experienced some tough times.  I enjoy being able to learn about people’s life experiences and to share confidentially in their stories.  This has then also allowed me to meet some of our beneficiaries- some of whom have been over 100 years old- and to hear how the industry has changed, and how they still share their love for what they did.
 
FIT also allows us Trustees in the industry to meet and discuss our experiences of business from both yesterday and today.