Tag sandwell business

Smethwick’s Cycling Story

man stood at machine making bike saddle

Before Birmingham and surrounding towns like Smethwick became synonymous with the motor industry, it was the world’s cycling capital. A leather goods manufacturer in Smethwick was, and still is today, the business who took cycling by the saddle and revolutionised…

A Stitch in Sandwell

Bhulla's father in his textiles factory in Smethwick, setting out pieces of material

While much of Sandwell's industrial heritage is anchored in mining, ironworking and engineering, textiles have played a distinct role not just in industry, but in the borough's multicultural heritage.