Vegans beef up sales for for Northants boot maker

Piers Morgan may not like vegans, but Northamptonshire shoemaker Dr Martens certainly does.

The footwear brand, has seen a rise in sales driven by people who've turned their backs on products made from animals.

The firm said sales of its shoes and boots were higher last year as the British brand enlarged its global, ahem, footprint and attracted new customers.

Revenue at the company was up 30% to £454.4 million in the year to March 31.

Chief executive Kenny Wilson said several factors had driventhe company's growth during his first year in charge - one of which was the launch of its new vegan range, which accounts for around 5% of sales, he said:

He added that he expected the range to continue to grow as more consumers ditch leather.

Earlier this year the business doubled down on its commitment to Britishmanufacturing, investing in its Northampton facility to increase the amount of shoes made in the UK.

Mr Wilson said it was "full steam ahead" at the factory.

"As a British brand, it's important that we maintain that."

There are currently no new store openings planned for the UK, with the brand instead focusing on a rollout in France and Germany, as well as key sites in North America and Asia.

The news comes just days after the [publication of a new UN report](http://witching away from meat to a plant-based diet is crucial to fighting climate change, according to a report by UN experts.) which says switching away from meat to a plant-based diet is crucial to fighting climate change.