Shoemaster International, the world-leading developer of 3D CAD/CAM for the global footwear manufacturing industry, has relocated from Somerset to Bristol to help it forge partnerships with the city’s burgeoning tech sector.
Originally the CAD/CAM division of shoe giant Clarks International in Street, the standalone firm has developed software that is now used by more than 800 leading shoemakers across the globe. 
Shoemaster International has moved into The Interchange, a newly branded specialist workspace area within Bristol’s Engine Shed innovation hub.
Shoemaster has already benefited from the diverse Engine Shed ecosystem, having built connections with residents including Yellow Dog, TechSPARK and SETsquared alumni Ultrahaptics.
Its arrival at The Interchange will also bring Shoemaster closer to its networks in the Bristol city-region, and will benefit other tenants by bringing in business from further afield.
Shoemaster CTO Ian Paris said: “We’re thrilled to be expanding our company into The Interchange. It brings new opportunities for networking within a vibrant and innovative environment, as well as providing a base to forge stronger research partnerships with Bristol and Bath universities.”
The firm, previously called CSM3D, became part of the Atom group last year, the Italian world leader in specialist equipment for the global footwear sector.
As a result, Shoemaster’s new board was given the strategic direction to recruit a new team focussed on technological innovation for the footwear industry.
“When we discovered Engine Shed, it was immediately apparent that it could provide the perfect base for us to start this exciting new challenge,” said Mr Paris.
The Interchange is a 2,200 sq ft workspace within Engine Shed where members can work, network, and collaborate while enjoying the benefits of an Enterprise Zone location.
The space, which launched last month, is a managed work area hosting the strategic partners in Engine Shed’s mission for inclusivity for the region’s economic growth.
To find out more about The Interchange and the business connections at Engine Shed, click here.
