The Factory Next Door
Steve DukeWhat’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 p... more
| Publishes | Twice monthly | Episodes | 64 | Founded | 3 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | EntrepreneurshipArtsBusinessDesign | |||
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Latest Episodes
When Selle Royal, the world’s biggest producer of bicycle saddles, took over Brooks’ historic Smethwick factory, they imposed one golden rule – no robots. Ever.
For well over 100 years, Brooks has been producing its iconic B17 saddle by hand, and Se... more
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 continue to... more
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 efforts ar... more
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 hear storie... more
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Reviews
- Joyful listen
Started listening after one brand I admire was featured, only to find many others. Such a great way to peer inside some of our greatest manufacturers and experience the passion of the makers.
Apple Podcasts5aajhiggs
United Kingdoma month ago - Lovely podcast
Really nice insight into very interesting business crafts
Apple Podcasts5A Westbury's K
Ireland6 months ago - A little hit of positivity
In a country being run into the ground by a government who couldn’t be trusted to even run a bath, I was looking for some positivity about manufacturing in my beloved country. I found it here, definitely feel-good and gave me a little shot of optimism. It is now 2026 and these podcasts are from 3 years ago, so I sincerely hope these little businesses are still functioning and have not been forced to close because of the new regulations imposed by the current crop of politicians.
Apple Podcasts52Br2United Kingdom7 months ago - Love it
I’m not in the UK, but love the stories of companies who are truly building things. My fave was the one about Curry & Paxton, which not only had a fascinating history, but also got me to buy a pair of their frames. Keep it up Steve!
Apple Podcasts5benry
Canada9 months ago - It’s like we’re touring the factory with him
So refreshing to have a break from the usual conversational podcasts and to go on an actual tour of the factories with Steve. It really feels like we’re with him and I’m loving the stories. Thank you.
Apple Podcasts5Eade1United Kingdoma year ago
Listeners Say
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Chart Rankings
How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.
Apple Podcasts | #31 | United Kingdom/Business/Entrepreneurship |
Apple Podcasts | #213 | United Kingdom/Business |
Apple Podcasts | #41 |  Poland/Business/Entrepreneurship |
Apple Podcasts | #147 |  Norway/Business/Entrepreneurship |
Apple Podcasts | #199 |  New Zealand/Business/Entrepreneurship |
Apple Podcasts | #234 |  Netherlands/Business/Entrepreneurship |
Talking Points
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Factory Next Door
What is The Factory Next Door about and what kind of topics does it cover?
A thoughtful tour through Britain's manufacturing and craft scene, spotlighting small to mid-size factories, family-owned workshops, and heritage brands. Episodes center on hands-on production, skilled trades, and the people behind iconic goods—from ceremonial uniforms and precision tools to bespoke textiles and vintage horology. The host blends factory floor walkthroughs with intimate conversations that reveal craft, resilience, succession, and the economics of keeping manufacturing alive in the UK. Notable throughlines include heritage branding, ethical sourcing, and the human impact of making things locally, often paired with forward-looking pivots in design, technology, and sustainable practices that resonate with listeners who care abo... more
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How many listeners does The Factory Next Door get?
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How many subscribers and views does The Factory Next Door have?
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Which podcasts are similar to The Factory Next Door?
These podcasts share a similar audience with The Factory Next Door:
1. Life Without
2. Full Disclosure with James O'Brien
3. Page 94: The Private Eye Podcast
4. The Rest Is Entertainment
5. Desert Island Discs
How many episodes of The Factory Next Door are there?
The Factory Next Door launched 3 years ago and published 64 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.
How do I contact The Factory Next Door?
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What guests have appeared on The Factory Next Door?
Recent guests on The Factory Next Door include:
1. Martin Shepherd
2. Bill Amberg
3. Gordon Nicolson
4. Louise Nicolson
5. Richard Blunden
6. Jules Walker
7. Giles English
8. Jeff Short
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