The Factory Next Door

By: Steve Duke
  • Summary

  • 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 words of hope. Ultimately, this show is for the dreamers and the optimists. Each episode focuses on one product that gets submitted into the garden shed of greatness – we’ll keep going until the shed is full. Jump in, let’s go, we’re off to celebrate our makers. Winner of the Best Business Show at the Independent Podcast Awards 2024. instagram/thefactorynextdoor
    Steven Duke
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Episodes
  • 22. The Space Satellite
    Oct 29 2024

    In a leafy science park in Surrey, there’s a team of engineers making something that’s not intended for our world – it’s designed to live in space.

    Number 22 on our list of the greatest things we make in Britain is The Space Satellite.

    In this week’s episode of The Factory Next Door, we head to Surrey Satellite Technologies to meet with systems engineer Lily Forward and head of marketing Andrew Greenhalgh. We chat about the magic of working in the space industry, launch day nerves, and the dangers of lunchtime snacks. We also talk Elon Musk and offer sympathy to finance directors.

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

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    31 mins
  • 21. The Cotton Shirt
    Oct 15 2024

    A thread runs across the shoulders of King Charles, Stormzy, and David Gandy, and leads to the city of Gloucester. There, in a beautiful 18th century house, you can find Emma Willis and her skilled team making shirts for royalty, celebrities and anyone wishing to look sharp.

    Number 21 on our list of the greatest products we make in Britain is The Cotton Shirt.

    In this week’s episode of The Factory Next Door we head to Bearland House, just a short distance away from Gloucester Cathedral. Here, Emma chats to us about starting her business, why she felt her career was a ‘fail’ for so many years, and the importance of celebrating the skill to sell. We also talk love in the workplace and dying at your sewing machine.

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

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    28 mins
  • Bonus Ep. Evan Davis
    Sep 24 2024

    For this special episode of the show, we sit down for a chat with journalist and broadcaster Evan Davis.

    Before becoming presenter of Radio 4’s PM programme, Evan was the BBC’s Economics Editor. In 2011, he presented a documentary series, and wrote a book, called Made in Britain. Since 2006, Evan’s presented the business show The Bottom Line. He’s also the presenter of BBC Two’s Dragons’ Den.

    We sit down in a disused car park to discuss how Britain pays its way in the world, why entrepreneurs look to China to help kickstart their businesses, and the joy of quality over quantity. We also discuss the efficiencies of resilience, and consider why the manufacturing resurgence he predicted a decade ago hasn’t happened – yet.

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

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    29 mins

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