Rachel Garwood has 30 years’ experience working in the leather industry. During this time she obtained her BSc in Applied Biology with analytical techniques (2.1) and MSc in Leather Technology (Distinction). From 1989-2008 she worked for BLC Leather Technology Ltd undertaking several roles on an international level including problem solving for tanners, management of EU research projects, business development and finally technical support and training throughout the leather supply chain, working with brands such as Next, Burberry, Mulberry, Radley, Clarks and Alfred Dunhill.
In 2008 Rachel joined The University of Northampton (UN) as a Senior Lecturer within the Institute for Creative Leather Technologies (ICLT) and became the Director of the Institute in 2011, reporting directly to the Acting Dean for Science and Technology. Current responsibilities involve the overall management of ICLT including people management, budget management, business development, international relationships/collaborations, course development and lecturing at all levels.
Rachel is a Fellow of the Society of Leather Technologists and Chemists (SLTC) and a Trustee for both the National Leather Collection and Leather Conservation Centre.
