In case no one has noticed APLF is celebrating its 25th Anniversary this year. The prevailing economic situation may demand we are a little less exuberant in marking in this event but it is, nonetheless, a considerable achievement.
More than anything it attests to the underlying strength of the leather and fashion industry. Of course APLF today is vastly different from 25 years ago, and so it should be. It spans a period in which the old-style leather industry - itself the oldest manufacturing industry on record - has evolved into the lean, mean commercial machine necessary to survive in these extraordinarily challenging times.
The changes in APLF simply reflect the changes in the industry itself. And therein lies the greatest cause for celebration. This is indeed an industry that can change and does - all the time.
One thing is certain: the event marking our 50th Anniversary will see a vastly different APLF. And so it should. Change is good.
