The Factory Next Door – Details, episodes & analysis

The world’s biggest exporter of horse saddles and harnesses? China. Today it accounts for almost half the entire global market. But British-made saddles are still celebrated for their craftsmanship, and they are still in demand - particularly from riders in places such as America and Australia.

Number 20 on our list of the greatest products we make in Britain is The Horse Saddle.

In this week’s episode of The Factory Next Door we head to Walsall, to meet Jane, co-owner of Ryder Saddles. She tells us why a young workforce matters, the joy of blinged up saddles, the pain of posting to Europe, and why the industry is built on cold wet January days.

Hit the play button and let’s hang out. Afterwards, say hello on Instagram @thefactorynextdoor

This year we’re on course to spend a billion-pounds on stuffed toys and dolls in the UK. The vast majority will arrive in shipping containers, but a small, select group of stuffed toys will be born on our island.

Number 19 on our list of the greatest products we make is The Teddy Bear.

In this week’s episode of The Factory Next Door we chat to Kerstin, managing director of Canterbury Bears to discuss the importance of being fair in business, turning away big orders, believing in work with a social purpose, and popping round to Uri Geller’s house. 

Also on the show, we learn how teddy bears got their name, reminisce about our childhood teddies, and give praise to Michael Buble’s jeans.

Hit the play button, let’s hang out. Afterwards, say hello on Instagram @thefactorynextdoor

We’ve reached number 10 on our list of the greatest products we make in Britain. And it’s a true icon. The Spitfire.

In this episode of The Factory Next Door, we visit two factories both making their own versions of this legendary plane. In Margate, we pop into model maker Airfix to chat with researcher Luke about their 1:24 scale Spitfire replica.

And in a hanger in Oxfordshire, we meet Paul who – along with a group of volunteers – are building a squadron of Spitfires that will tour the country (appropriately called the Ace Squadron).

We learn what makes this plane special, the beauty of pop rivet patterns, take a flight in a Spitfire simulator, look around an empty factory, and so, so much more.

Say hello on Instagram, search the ‘The Factory Next Door’ or email steve@thefactorynextdoor.com



Let’s make more makers!

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.   

Say hello on Instagram, search the ‘The Factory Next Door’ or email steve@thefactorynextdoor.com

Let’s make more makers!

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 steve@thefactorynextdoor.com

Let’s make more makers!

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 steve@thefactorynextdoor.com

Let’s make more makers!

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.

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.

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.

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.