The Factory Next Door Steve Duke

We celebrate a watch on today’s show – one made using 3D printing technologies (or additive manufacturing as the technique is referred to in the industry). Apiar are new-comers to the horology world, but their use of additive manufacturing, and focus on British-sourced parts, makes them particularly interesting. We travel to Ebbw Vale in South Wales to visit the factory making Apiar’s intricate watch cases. There, we chat to engineer Youssef about his journey from the steel works of Egypt to the green, green, grass he now calls home. Youssef reveals how to be beat the Far East on price, reminds us why British manufacturing is legendary, and explains why he’s so proud of his machines. We also speak to Apiar founders Matt and Sam about launching a new brand, the power of lattice structures, and why sending out your first products is like waving your child off to university.   Say hello on Instagram @thefactorynextdoor or email steve@thefactorynextdoor.com

It’s time to add a piece of footwear to our list of great British-made products. This week we head to Northamptonshire, the traditional home of our shoe-making industry, to tour Joseph Cheaney & Sons’ factory. Our guide Martin celebrates The Derby Boot, shows us what makes a Goodyear welted shoe special, explains why clippers are more skilled than cutters, and reveals he wants to be buried in a shoe box. We also speak to owners Jonathan and William Church about being the guardians of a 140-year-old brand, how they’re growing the business, and why Japanese customers love British craft. Say hello on Instagram @thefactorynextdoor or email steve@thefactorynextdoor.com

For number 13 on our list we head to 13 Savile Row, W1. There we meet Ruby, founder and creative director of Banshee, to learn how she makes her exquisite bespoke velvet jackets.As we tour Banshee’s workshop, we discuss bespoke clothing for women, the joy of British fabrics, the importance of marrying business and creativity, and the unpredictability of imposter syndrome.We also appreciate Savile Row from above and chat with Charles, a tailor who’s worked on this famous street for decades and knows the inside leg measurements of quite a few movie stars.Say hello on Instagram @thefactorynextdoor or email steve@thefactorynextdoor.com

Fire irons. We’ve been forging them for centuries – literally. Blacksmiths have been making them since, well, the Iron Age. They sit at number 12 on our list of the greatest products we make in Britain. In this episode of The Factory Next Door, we visit ironwork company Nigel Tyas to see how they blend old techniques with modern tools and handcraft fire irons, as well as wrought iron lighting and curtain poles.   Brothers Gareth and Dan show us around their South Yorkshire factory. We learn how to test the skill of a blacksmith, chat about the joy – and effort – of hammering at an anvil, give praise to bi-fold doors, and wonder why the siblings don’t argue more often. Say hello on Instagram, search the ‘The Factory Next Door’ or email steve@thefactorynextdoor.com (mailto:steve@thefactorynextdoor.com)Let’s make more makers!

Number 11 on our list of the greatest products we make in Britain is The Carry-On Case – and this piece will force you to rethink what you know about the humble piece of paper. Luggage company Globe-Trotter, loved by royalty, celebrities, and plenty of lifelong fans, takes paper – adds a dose of magic – and creates a material that is extraordinarily durable and light. In this episode of The Factory Next Door, business development director James Fisher shows us around the luggage and leather company’s Hertfordshire factory. We discuss collaborating with Gucci, the joy of having a lovely case in a rubbish airport, and why Tyler, The Creator is a lovely bloke to have around for a visit.Say hello on Instagram, search the ‘The Factory Next Door’ or email steve@thefactorynextdoor.com (mailto:steve@thefactorynextdoor.com)Let’s make more makers!

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 (mailto:steve@thefactorynextdoor.com)Let’s make more makers!