As Strictly Come Dancing fans look forward to the 2025 final this weekend, a Milton Keynes manufacturer is preparing for its own next step in an ambitious growth journey.
Stonebridge-based company International Dance Shoes (IDS) has supplied the ballroom and Latin footwear worn by Strictly’s professional dancers and celebrity contestants for more than two decades.
The family-run company, founded in 1981, is one of the UK’s last remaining specialist dance shoe manufacturers and has built an international reputation for precision, comfort and craftsmanship.
Every pair is designed and made in the IDS factory in Milton Keynes, where around 30 skilled staff work across two production tracks to cut, shape, stitch and construct shoes for global export markets. The business produces around 40,000 pairs a year, supplying customers across the United States, Europe, Australia and East Asia.
With its 45th anniversary approaching, the business is now partnering with Made Smarter South East, the government-backed programme helping manufacturers adopt new digital tools to boost productivity and prepare for long-term growth.
With support from Jez Heys, Technology Adoption Specialist for Made Smarter South East, IDS has carried out a full review of its products, processes and workforce to create a digital transformation roadmap.
As part of the plan, the company is applying for a grant to invest in advanced lasting machinery that would increase output by 10 percent, speed up throughput and shorten lead times by a third. It would also raise product quality through greater precision in the production process.
The investment will help IDS tackle the UK-wide shortage of traditional shoemaking skills, reduce labour costs and maintain competitive pricing in global markets.
“Strictly is a special part of our story. We have been supplying shoes to the show since the very first series, and it remains an important showcase of British manufacturing," said Managing Director Justin Patel, "We watch the show with huge pride. But while the judges and viewers are glued to the celebrities and pro-dancers, we are watching the shoes to make sure they perform.
“Our ambition is to remain part of Strictly’s story for years to come, but it is only one part of our future. We want to keep the craftsmanship, keep the quality and keep the elegance. Our long-term growth depends on diversification and on building a more digitally enabled production process that helps us stay competitive. Made Smarter is helping us explore what that future could be,” he added.
IDS has already expanded into new sectors, supplying footwear for major stage productions including The Devil Wears Prada in the West End. The company is also developing new ranges for performing arts colleges and large entertainment companies.
