The Leather & Hide Trades’ Benevolent Institution was formed in 1860 and today is still involved in the original work for which it was formed, as follows:
“The object of the Institution shall be the relief of necessitous persons who are or have been engaged in the Leather Industry who are aged or incapacitated from earning a livelihood, and the bereaved spouse, adult dependents and orphans of any such person. The Institution shall be financed by means of donations, bequests and income arising from investments or by any other means approved by the Committee.”
William Tusting (Chairman)
The LHTBI – Its Aims and Achievements
165 years after its formation, the Leather & Hide Trades’ Benevolent Institution still continues the work for which it was set up – to help former employees and their dependants who are in financial need – and it still continues to receive applications for assistance. Today many of these are for grants towards, for example, a mobility scooter, stairlift or installation of a shower.
We are currently helping 33 annuitants. Of these, 8 are married couples, 3 are widowers or single and 18 are widows. Many of our annuitants are now well into their 80s and 90s. The majority of companies they worked for no longer exist; they are geographically spread over the whole of England, the largest numbers living in Northamptonshire and Somerset. There are also currently 4 annuitants in Eire.
Hardship Fund
The Leather & Hide Trades’ Benevolent Institution (LHTBI) is proud to announce that we are launching a brand new Hardship Fund in response to the “cost of living” crisis being suffered by many families in the UK. Grants of up to £1,000 will be available to successful applicants.
This is launched alongside Leather UK, the trade association for the UK leather industry, and is also supported by the Worshipful Company of Leathersellers.
This fund is aimed at individuals currently working in the leather industry in the UK and further details regarding eligibility can be found on the application form.
