Ever wondered why, in this digital age, scientific institutions still employ artists to paint flora and fauna? In this episode of The Factory Next Door, we head to Kew Gardens to meet Lucy Smith, one of the world’s leading botanical illustrators.

Lucy shows us around Kew’s art workshop and explains why the botanical illustration remains as relevant today as it did during the voyages of Darwin or Cook. She also talks about the need for makers to keep believing in themselves, and why counting bricks can be life-changing.   

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Let’s make more makers!

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Ever wondered what a bomb disposal expert does when it’s time to change career? Well, in the case of Alex Simpson, they return to the Midlands and open a leather factory.

In this episode of The Factory Next Door, we tour Beorma’s factory and learn how its plaited leather belts are made. We chat to Managing Director Alex about the challenges of keeping alive Walsall’s historic leather industry, the stress of leaving the armed forces, and why he’s resigned to sleepless nights.

Say hello on Instagram, search the ‘The Factory Next Door’ or email [email protected]

Let’s make more makers!

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Ever wondered what makes one stripy mug a design icon, and the other is, well just a stripy mug? In this episode, we travel to the home of Cornishware in Somerset to learn how its distinctive (and world famous) three striped mug is produced.

We chat about the challenges of bringing production back from the Far East, ask whether imitation is flattery, and solve the puzzle of why it’s called Cornishware, but is made miles from Cornwall.

Say hello on Instagram, search ‘The Factory Next Door’, or email [email protected]

Let’s make more makers!

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Ever wondered what’s the perfect piece of utilitarian clothing? We think it might be the fisherman’s smock. Originally designed for seafarers, it was then adopted by artists, and is now popular on catwalks. In this week’s episode of The Factory Next Door we head to Yarmouth Oilskins on the Norfolk coast. It’s a company that knows how to make a fisherman’s smock - they’ve been doing it for more than a century.

Creative designer Sophie talks us through the characteristics of a smock, why it’s vital that we attract a new generation into manufacturing, and sings Pauline Fowler’s praises.

Also on the show, retired fisherman Keith explains why clothes matter at sea, the joy of a brightly coloured suit, and how to avoid fisherman’s boils.

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Ever thought about how you can get a lifetime of free beer? Actually, let’s rephrase that question. Ever thought about launching your own brewery specialising in British cask ale?

On this episode of The Factory Next Door we head to West Sussex to meet Liam, the owner of Aleworks Brewing Co. Sales of cask ales have been falling for years as drinkers switch to American or European-inspired lagers. Liam tells us how he plans to save the traditional British pint, the trauma of cold call sales, and why he is only a little bit mad.

We also head to London to attend a celebration of British beer and get clear on the difference between cask ale and craft lager.

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Ever wondered who builds the best choppers this side of the Atlantic? Turns out they are lovingly crafted in an old tractor repair workshop in North Yorkshire.

On this episode of The Factory Next Door we meet Vic and Lin, the couple behind the multi-award winning Destiny Cycles. We discuss the enduring appeal of choppers, the joy of reusing vintage parts, and finding love at a car boot sale.

Also on the show, I find out about my family’s motorbike history, and why some dreams don’t come true.

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Ever wondered what it takes to make a bike that's loved by princesses, Mary Poppins, and Paddington Bear? We did, so we headed through the factory doors of one of Britain’s last remaining manufacturers of bicycles to find out.

On this episode of The Factory Next Door we are in Stratford-Upon-Avon to chat with Adrian Williams, chairman of Pashley Bicycles. We discuss the beauty of brazing, sacrificing economics for social gains, and the power of love.

Also in the show, we go on a cycling tour of London to appreciate the usefulness of a Pashley wicker basket and the joys of Victorian tweed.

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Ever wondered what it takes to make your own backpack from scratch? We did, so we tracked down one of Britain’s most progressive apparel companies for a chat. It turns out it requires a lot of blood, sweat, and staples.

On this episode of The Factory Next Door, we head to the Cornish cliffs to meet Mark, founder of The Level Collective, to discuss the importance of making products that last, being brave in business, and the pain of picking the right thread.

We also head to the outskirts of Birmingham to meet a leather worker with four decades of experience and who knows how to skive.

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Ever wondered who designs the distinctive fabrics found on the London Underground? So did we, and it turns out the designers don’t just create iconic seat patterns known to millions of commuters, they make the most exquisite gifts you’ll find in the gift shops of our most famous art galleries and museums.

In this episode of The Factory Next Door, we go through the doors of celebrated design studio Wallace Sewell to discuss staying creative for three decades, arguing politely, and why no colour should be feared.

We also head to the Lancashire / Yorkshire border and visit the mill transforming their designs into beautiful British-made products.

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What’s on your list of the greatest products made in Britain? Join journalist Steve Duke as he criss-crosses the island to meet our makers in their factories and workshops.

Whilst compiling our list, we hear stories of people pursuing perfection, tales of difficult times, and reasons for optimism.

Winner of the Best Business Show at the Independent Podcast Awards 2024.

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