Start-Rite makes three strategic hires ahead of key back to school trading

Children’s footwear company Start-Rite Shoes has made three strategic hires across training, sales and product as the brand enters the key back to school trading period.

Callum Linger has joined as Brand Trainer, bringing a wealth of experience in retail education, product storytelling and footwear technologies, including 11 years with ASICS EMEA.

In his new role, Linger will lead Start‑Rite’s retailer training programme, supporting partners to deliver “exceptional fitting experiences” - a core pillar of a brand founded in Norwich that dates back to 1792 and is purportedly Britain’s oldest shoemaker.

Linger said: “I’m excited to join Start‑Rite Shoes as Brand Trainer, returning to my passion for education and brand storytelling. My focus is on bringing Start‑Rite’s heritage and product expertise to life in‑store, strengthening brand presence and creating meaningful experiences for retailers and families.”

Joining Start-Rite’s commercial team as Sales Manager is Simon Baker. He brings significant experience across national accounts, digital retail and international markets following 15 years at Skechers and previous roles with Clarks, Gap and Puma. In his new position at Start-Rite he will focus on driving new business in the UK as well as international markets.

To support the continued evolution of its product portfolio, Start‑Rite has also appointed Hilde Goode as Product Consultant, bringing extensive experience across major UK high street footwear brands.

Goode will work closely with the Start‑Rite team to ensure product development continues to meet the highest standards of fit, quality and innovation that it’s known for.

Jennifer Tyley, Marketing and eCommerce Director at Start-Rite, commented: “These appointments come as we enter our busiest trading period of the year. By investing in expertise across training, sales and product, we’re strengthening the support we offer our retailer partners and elevating the in‑store experience.

“Start‑Rite is known for durable fitted school shoes, but our excellence extends across the full children’s footwear journey, from pre‑walkers and first year shoes right through to senior styles for teens - in both school and lifestyle categories.”