Key Takeaways:
- International Dance Shoes (IDS), a family-run business, has received a £20,000 grant from Made Smarter South East to adopt new digital tools and increase productivity.
- The company, which supplies dance shoes for Strictly Come Dancing, aims to increase its output by 10% with the help of new machinery.
- The grant will enable IDS to access better machinery, combine multiple processes, and speed up production.
- The company produces around 40,000 pairs of shoes per year and supplies customers across the US, Europe, Australia, and East Asia.
- The new technology is expected to raise product quality through greater precision in the production process and will not lead to job cuts.
Introduction to International Dance Shoes
International Dance Shoes (IDS), a family-run business based in Milton Keynes, has been a leading manufacturer of dance shoes for over two decades. The company has been supplying ballroom and Latin footwear for the popular TV show Strictly Come Dancing since its inception. With a team of around 30 skilled staff, IDS produces approximately 40,000 pairs of shoes per year, catering to customers across the globe, including the US, Europe, Australia, and East Asia.
The Importance of the Grant
The £20,000 grant received from Made Smarter South East, a government-backed program, is expected to play a significant role in enhancing the company’s productivity. According to Justin Patel, the managing director of IDS, the grant is "really important" as it will enable the company to access better machinery, increase its output by 10%, and maintain competitiveness. The new machinery will help combine multiple processes into one, speeding up production and allowing the company to produce more shoes.
The History of IDS
IDS was founded in 1981 by Rashmi Patel, Justin’s father, who previously worked for a shoe company. The company has come a long way since its inception and has established itself as one of the UK’s last remaining specialist dance shoe manufacturers. Rashmi Patel expressed his pride in having his shoes featured on Strictly Come Dancing every year, stating that it is "great to have my shoes on Strictly every year" since the beginning of the series. He often visits the Elstree Studios in Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, to help fit the shoes for the contestants.
The Role of Made Smarter South East
Made Smarter South East, the organization that provided the grant, aims to help businesses digitize and automate their processes, increasing productivity. Jez Heys from Made Smarter South East stated that the organization’s purpose is to assist businesses in creating a digital transformation roadmap, which will enable them to increase efficiency and competitiveness. IDS has been working closely with Made Smarter South East to review its products, processes, and workforce, with the goal of implementing new technology that will raise product quality and precision.
The Impact of New Technology
The introduction of new technology is expected to have a positive impact on the company’s operations. Justin Patel stated that the new machinery will help raise product quality through greater precision in the production process. Additionally, Jez Heys from Made Smarter South East emphasized that the new technology will not lead to job cuts, as it will allow staff to upskill on the new machinery. This will enable the company to maintain its skilled workforce while increasing productivity and efficiency.
The Significance of Strictly Come Dancing
Strictly Come Dancing is a significant part of IDS’s story, and the company has been supplying shoes for the show since its first series. Justin Patel described the show as "a special part of our story" and noted that it is a busy period for the company when the show is on. He added that while the judges and viewers are focused on the celebrities and professional dancers, the company is watching the shoes to ensure they perform well. The Strictly Come Dancing 2025 final is set to air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, showcasing the company’s high-quality dance shoes once again.