New initiative supports business innovation in the Thames Gateway

Future Cube, a new innovation centre designed to support and cultivate London’s innovative manufacturing, logistics and construction businesses, has opened in the heart of the Thames Gateway.

Located in Rainham, situated on the border of London and the wider southeast, Future Cube will be home to a range of demonstrators and tools that will help businesses to explore and adopt new technologies and improve their efficiency, productivity and competitiveness in an exciting and engaging way.

The Future Cube facility is the result of a partnership between Havering Council, SEGRO, the London Riverside Business Improvement District (BID), and the Greater London Authority with the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) selected as the lead delivery partner on-site.

MTC’s specialists and expert guidance will help small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) to address the practical, technical and strategic challenges that are critical to helping them to build long-term resilience and viability.

The team at Future Cube has extensive experience and sector knowledge, as well as access to Innovate UK’s REACH SME grant scheme, which can provide up to 50% of funding for innovation projects.

The facility was formally opened by Deputy Mayor Jules Pipe CBE in a special ceremony. He was joined by the Leader of Havering Council, Councillor Damian White, and representatives from the Riverside BID, and SEGRO.

“SMEs are a critical part of the UK economy, including east London,” commented Bonnie Minshull, Director, Greater London, SEGRO. “However, they don’t always have easy access to the digital and technology resources that could improve their productivity and profitability.

“Future Cube has the potential to change this, and we are pleased to provide the space for the centre as part of our ‘Responsible SEGRO’ commitment to support sustainable local economies and improve skills and employment opportunities within the communities where we operate.”