Jaye Isherwood - Making Modern Britain: Slough Trading Estate

Summary

The Slough Trading Estate, established in 1918, has played a pivotal role in industrial and economic development for over a century. Originating as a motor transport depot for the war effort, it evolved into a thriving manufacturing hub. Over the years, it attracted numerous global companies, from Gillette and Citroen to Mars and Black & Decker, shaping the UK's industrial landscape. The estate's unique services, including its own power station and railway, contributed to its success. Today, the Slough Trading Estate remains a model of enterprise and community support, continuing its legacy of innovation and industry.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Slough Trading Estate began its story in 1918, built on the site of Cippenham Court Farm, which was originally prime agricultural land.
• 😀 The Slough Motor Transport Depot was constructed in 1918 to repair military vehicles, marking the area's first major industrial use.
• 😀 The Slough depot was strategically located with rail connections, making it ideal for vehicle repair and supply distribution, and included its own railway station.
• 😀 After the First World War, the site was sold to a consortium of businessmen in 1920, led by Sir Percival Perry, who envisioned transforming it into a major manufacturing hub.
• 😀 Slough's early industrial success came from auctions of military vehicles, earning a profit of £5.4 million in its first year under the Slough Trading Company.
• 😀 The depot boasted a range of facilities, including its own power generation, artesian wells for water, and a private fire, police, and ambulance service.
• 😀 Slough Trading Estate attracted numerous companies, including American businesses like Gillette, Citroen, and Mars, who sought to avoid import duties.
• 😀 The estate became home to a variety of manufacturers, such as Westons Biscuits and ASPRO, who contributed to the local economy and workforce.
• 😀 During World War II, many companies on the estate, including Citroen and others, shifted to supporting the war effort by manufacturing military vehicles and equipment.
• 😀 By the 1950s, Slough became an important hub for the automotive, manufacturing, and food industries, with companies like Black & Decker and Ragus Sugars continuing to thrive.

Q & A

What was the original purpose of the Slough Trading Estate when it was first established in 1918?

The Slough Trading Estate was originally established to house the Slough Motor Transport Depot, which was created to repair military vehicles during World War I. It was selected due to its strategic location near the Great Western Railway and proximity to London.

Who played a key role in the transformation of the Slough Trading Estate from a military depot to a commercial hub?

Sir Percival Perry and Noel Mobbs were pivotal in transforming the Slough Motor Transport Depot into the Slough Trading Estate. They purchased the site from the government in 1920 and developed it into a manufacturing hub.

How did Slough’s location benefit its growth as a major industrial hub?

Slough’s strategic location near the Great Western Railway and only 20 miles from London made it an ideal spot for industrial development. It also had its own dedicated railway station, which made transporting goods and workers efficient.

What unique features did the Slough Trading Estate offer to its workers and businesses?

The estate provided unique amenities such as its own power generation facility, artesian wells for water, a bank, and private fire, police, and ambulance services. It even had its own dedicated railway station, which contributed to the estate's success.

Why was Slough known as 'the dump' during the early years of the estate?

The area was referred to as 'the dump' because it was initially filled with vehicles in various conditions awaiting repairs, as the estate was primarily focused on restoring military vehicles in its early years.

What was the significance of the Mars Bar’s creation on the Slough Trading Estate?

The Mars Bar was created in Slough in the 1930s by Forrest Mars, who set up a factory on the estate with guidance from Noel Mobbs. The Mars Bar became a globally recognized product, marking one of the estate's success stories in the food industry.

How did the estate support the war effort during World War II?

During WWII, many companies on the Slough Trading Estate adapted to support the war effort. Citroen, for example, switched to assembling Canadian military vehicles, and other companies like Hardy Rail Motors contributed to railway technology for military use.

What role did the Slough Trading Estate play in attracting American companies to the UK?

The estate attracted several American companies, like Gillette, Johnson & Johnson, and Black & Decker, looking to escape the McKenna import duties. The estate's infrastructure and services made it an attractive option for businesses looking to enter the UK and European markets.

What was the connection between the Slough Trading Estate and the local community?

Slough Estates Ltd. supported the local community by creating the Slough Social Fund, which financed the Slough Community Centre. The centre offered recreational activities, including a swimming pool, theatre, and gymnasium, and even supported the creation of a local industrial health service.

How did the Slough Trading Estate influence the development of industrial parks globally?

The Slough Trading Estate became a model for industrial parks worldwide due to its comprehensive services and infrastructure. The focus on worker welfare, along with its strategic location and business-friendly environment, contributed to its long-term success and global influence.