TRAINER design company MES Footwork is creating what is believed to be the world’s first range of trainers made from recycled clothing.

And already, only weeks after launching the Threads to Tread service, MES Footwork founder Matt Scott is in negotiations with some of the biggest names in the retail and charity sectors over potential link-ups.

The creation of the range is now widely tipped to catapult the fledgling company, which began in 21-year-old Mr Scott’s bedroom, onto an international stage.

Mr Scott, The Northern Echo’s winner of last year’s If We Can You Can entrepreneurial challenge, has already struck a deal to supply six designs of his custom-made trainers to former Sunderland footballer Djibril Cisse’s boutique, Pr9ject, in Newcastle, as well as designing skullembossed shoes for the striker’s personal use.

Rock star Dave Stewart is another of his celebrity customers, who ordered a pair adorned with one of his own designs.

The business has expanded into a manufacturing unit in South Shields, South Tyneside, to accommodate demand, and employs two people – a seamstress and a footwear development graduate from the London School of Fashion, who helps design MES Footwork’s range.

Mr Scott, who started MES Footwork in 2007 with money from his student loan, has also invested £12,000 in a website – mesfootwork.com – where people can design their fantasy footwear for Mr Scott and his team to turn them into reality.

Mr Scott said the business – which he started after making a pair of customised trainers for his girlfriend’s birthday – is going from strength to strength.

“Things are going really well. I’ve now got two people working with me, and the unit is operating five days a week producing footwear to accommodate the orders we’ve already received, so everything is pretty positive,” he said “The Threads to Tread service is really attracting a lot of attention, and we feel really ready to tackle the big world of retail.

“We’re looking at developing more styles to add to the range, which will help in negotiations with some of the bigger retailers,” he said.

“We are in talks at the minute with a big name in the charity world, as well as two big names in the retail sector, so I am hoping they will secure orders. We’ve already sealed a deal with Djibril Cisse, which we have based around his infatuation with skulls, which are everywhere in his store, vibrant colours and quirky styles.

“It’s all very, very exciting, and all very new to me. I am definitely learning as I go, but I’m having to learn very quickly.”