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Business

The Factory Next Door

by Steve Duke
EntrepreneurshipBusinessArts

Chart positions today · United States

Not on the United States charts we track today.

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Latest episodes

  • 56. The Rivet Stool

    October 20, 2026 · 37 min

    It’s truly one of our greatest materials. We make shoes from it; clothes, books, bags and furniture. Leather is extraordinary. Over the millennia, we’ve become adept at using it. Today, in a West London workshop, a group of craftspeople…

  • 55. The Hand-Sewn Kilt

    October 6, 2026 · 36 min

    For 500 years highland dress has been synonymous with Scotland, but these days there are more kilt-makers in India than within its home country. On today’s The Factory Next Door we head to a workshop just off Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, where…

  • 54. The Helter Skelter

    September 22, 2026 · 34 min

    You never quite know what you’re going to find when you visit one of our manufacturers.   On today’s episode of The Factory Next Door, we head to Avonmouth to visit a bespoke storage maker – but what we discover is far from expected.   We…

  • 53. The Ceremonial Uniform

    September 8, 2026 · 32 min

    When you need someone to escort the King’s crown to Parliament for the state opening, you call on his Majesty’s Gentleman at Arms – with their distinctive red and gold jackets. And when you need someone to make a new uniform for this…

  • 52. The Propelling Pencil

    August 25, 2026 · 40 min

    The epicentre of the global pen industry used to reside in Birmingham. Then the plastic biro arrived and everything changed. But in the city’s jewellery quarter, a team of skilled silversmiths are ensuring the history of Birmingham’s pen…

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  • 51. The Remembrance Wreath

    August 11, 2026 · 31 min

    Inspired by a poem about the horrors of war, the red poppy is worn by millions of people every year to commemorate those who have died in conflict. And every November, on Remembrance Sunday, poppy wreaths of varying sizes are placed beside…

  • Most replayed moments. The greatest business strategy

    May 29, 2026 · 16 min

    We’ve hit number 50 on our list of the greatest things we make here, so I thought it would be nice to share some of my favourite moments, as well as your most replayed clips.   Since we started The Factory Next Door, we’ve spent hours and…

  • Most replayed moments. Why I bought a British factory

    May 22, 2026 · 16 min

    We’ve hit number 50 on our list of the greatest things we make here, so I thought it would be nice to share some of my favourite moments, as well as your most replayed clips.   Our manufacturers are undoubtedly facing strong headwinds…

  • Most replayed moments. Stories from our makers that made me cry

    May 15, 2026 · 15 min

    We’ve hit number 50 on our list of the greatest things we make here, so I thought it would be nice to look back at some of my favourite moments from the show, as well as your most replayed clips.   Over the coming weeks, I’ll share a few…

  • 50. The Knitted Polo Shirt

    April 21, 2026 · 36 min

    When you’ve been learning your craft for almost two and a half centuries, you can confidently call yourself ‘the world’s finest’. John Smedley have been making their knitwear in Derbyshire since 1784. Number 50 on our list of the greatest…

  • 49. The Folding Bicycle

    April 7, 2026 · 39 min

    Spend a day in any major city from Seoul to San Francisco and you’ll spot them weaving through the traffic – a bicycle with distinctive small wheels and arched top tube. Brompton’s folding bike is an example of a great British design…

  • Bonus Ep. Northampton. How to grow our shoe industry

    March 17, 2026 · 56 min

    Over the past 20 years, the amount we spend on shoes in the UK has tripled. It now stands at £14bn. During the same period, our domestic footwear industry has dramatically shrunk. The vast majority of shoes we buy are now made…

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About the show

What’s on your list of the greatest products made in Britain? Join economics journalist Steve Duke as he criss-crosses the island to meet the people still making things in our factories and workshops. Hear the stories behind some of our most iconic products, told by the people crafting them. “A gem of a series” – Podcast Rex “Thoughtful and warm” – The Guardian ***** “A wonderful, life-affirming podcast” ***** “Important listening with a light touch” 2026 – British Podcast Awards – Gold Award 2026 – 2x The Signal Awards – Shortlisted 2026 – The Lovie Awards – Shortlisted 2026 – 2x Independent Podcast Awards – Shortlisted 2025 – British Podcast Awards – Silver Award 2025 – Independent Podcast Awards – Shortlisted 2024 – British Podcast Awards – Shortlisted 2024 – Independent Podcast Awards – Winner Have a suggestion for what needs to go on our list? Whatsapp me on 07767 888 319. Say hello on Instagram @thefactorynextdoor Support the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/thefactorynextdoor Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.