Rachel Garwood has over 30 years experience working in the leather industry. During this time, she obtained her BSc (Hons) in Applied Biology with Analytical Techniques and MSc in Leather Technology.
From 1989-2008 she worked for BLC, Leather Technology Centre in Northampton undertaking several roles on an international level including resolving technical issues within the leather manufacturing process for tanners, management of EU research projects, business innovation and finally technical support and training throughout the leather supply chain.
In 2008, Rachel joined the University of Northampton (UoN) as a Senior Lecturer within the ICLT and became the Director in 2011. Current responsibilities involve the overall management of ICLT including people management, budget management, business development, international relationships/collaborations, course development and lecturing at Masters level. During her time at the UoN she has worked closely with the commercial sector and tailored ICLT’s portfolio of education programmes, training courses and research to align closely with industry needs, addressing the whole leather value chain from live animal to bespoke end products “Hide to High street”.
Rachel is a Fellow of the Society of Leather Technologists and Chemists (SLTC), a Trustee for both the Museum of Leathercraft and Leather Conservation Centre, a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Curriers and a Freeman of London.