Radio Times: Review by:; David Butcher

This two-part programme is set up like a reality show: can a cushion factory in Merseyside challenge the might of Chinese manufacturing in three months? In fact it’s an interesting real-life story: cushion king Tony Caldeira wants to expand his factory in Kirby and take on jobless youngsters; meanwhile his plant in China is struggling with a labour shortage. Is this a chance for British workers to show their mettle?

There are telling scenes: an open-air Chinese labour exchange with picky punters, a machinist in Kirby struggling to sew her cushions — and in the end it’s a perfectly formed parable of life in the global economy.

About this programme

1/2. Part one of two. Documentary following cushion manufacturer Tony Caldeira, who like many other businessmen makes his products in China, where costs and wages are cheap. However, with Chinese staff now demanding much higher pay, the executive embarks on an experiment to bring manufacturing back to Britain by opening a factory in Kirkby, near Liverpool. But he has a lot to do. While his new supervisor and machinist set to work training the recruits in the art of sewing, Tony tries to inspire them to commit to the company, despite the fact they are only earning the minimum wage. However, when they start falling like dominoes, it becomes clear his dream is fading fast.