The Factory Next Door

More than three billion pairs of denim jeans are made every year. But not all jeans are made the same. Just 10% are produced using selvedge denim - a denim that takes more time to weave and is significantly longer lasting. The UK may account for only a tiny percentage of global jean production, but we have some of the finest makers. Number 24 on our list of the greatest things we make in Britain is The Selvedge Jeans. On this week’s The Factory Next Door we visit one of our finest jeans makers - Blackhorse Lane Ateliers in east London. Founder Han Ates tells us why jeans are the new craft beer, the importance of connections, and gives thanks to those who dig old clothes out of disused mines. We also chat about families, our planet’s future, and what it takes to change your direction of travel when you’re not happy with the path you have followed. Hit the play button and let’s hang out. Afterwards, say hello on Instagram @thefactorynextdoor

Since 1824, if you’ve got into difficulties on the British coastline, volunteers from the RNLI will race to your aid. They’ll arrive in a distinctive bright orange boat. A boat built in Britain. Number 23 on our list of the greatest things we make in Britain is The Inflatable Lifeboat. In this week’s episode of The Factory Next Door, we head to Cowes on the Isle of Wight to meet Glyn Ellis, Business Operations Manager at the RNLI’s Inshore Lifeboat Centre. We learn about the craft that goes into making boats built to rescue people. Last year alone, the RNLI saved 269 lives and came to the aid of more than 10,000 individuals. Also on the show, we celebrate the CNC machine, talk kids’ paintings, and fall in love with a boat name. Hit the play button and let’s hang out. Afterwards, say hello on Instagram @thefactorynextdoor

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

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