Robin Johnson sits down with Biesse Sales Manager Mark Trapnell for a detailed look at manufacturing, production flow, tooling decisions, CNC capability and the practical realities of running a modern workshop. Mark shares his journey from apprentice heavy goods mechanic to senior roles across major manufacturing businesses before moving into machinery consultancy.

He explains why understanding process flow, input quality, tooling choices and skill sets matters more than any single machine. This episode gives clear insight into lean thinking, production efficiency, value stream mapping and what small makers should consider before investing in CNC machinery. A grounded conversation full of practical advice for anyone working with wood, materials or complex workshop processes.

Key Topics Covered

• How Mark moved from heavy goods engineering into large scale wood manufacturing
• Lessons from mass production and why seconds matter when scaling output
• How lean thinking applies to small artisan workshops
• Value stream mapping and why wasted movement destroys efficiency
• The real cost of poor tooling and why the cheapest cutters can damage quality
• How to decide if your workshop is ready for CNC
• Why skill shortages are shaping the future of making
• Expanding into stone, glass and advanced materials
• What a first time CNC buyer must evaluate before spending money
• How Biesse machines support small and mid sized makers with complex workflows

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Leave a review, follow us, and share the episode with a fellow maker. New episodes every week with artists, designers, craftsmen and creators from around the world.

Yours for the Making with Robin Johnson is the podcast that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of making. Hosted by Robin Johnson — founder of Johnson Bespoke and BBC presenter on The Travelling Auctioneers, The Restorers, Woodland Workshop — this podcast dives into the stories of makers from all walks of life. From woodworkers, metal fabricators, and chefs to artists, designers, and hobbyists, each episode offers real conversations with the people behind the things we love.

Whether you're a hands-on creative, aspiring artisan, or simply curious about how things are made, this podcast offers inspiration, insight, and practical wisdom. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, lessons in process and passion, and a celebration of the maker movement in all its forms.

Subscribe now and follow Yours for the Making wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.

Key Moments:

00:00 Mark’s background and early career in heavy goods engineering

04:00 Moving into woodworking and large scale pine furniture manufacturing

08:30 Training, City and Guilds progression and early CNC exposure

12:00 Managing teams, production flow and why seconds matter at scale

17:50 Lean principles and the importance of correct input processes

21:30 Cutting waste, skip costs and understanding value stream mapping

25:20 Why lean is pointless without clear information from designers and clients

29:50 The reality of manufacturing for prisons and major tier one contractors

33:40 Lessons from running workshops without formal training

38:30 Complex refurbishment projects including House of Lords benches

42:00 Joining Biesse and why real production experience matters in sales

46:30 Choosing the right CNC and why Mark refuses to oversell machines

49:10 Should small makers consider stone and advanced materials

52:00 What first time machine buyers must understand before investing

55:30 Why skilled labour plus CNC creates the strongest workflow

59:40 Advice for young makers and why...

Furniture designer Stephen Clark from Clark & Co joins Robin Johnson for a detailed look at how real product design works behind the glossy brochures. Stephen explains the journey from university projects to designing mass market furniture for major retailers and then shifting into high end bespoke manufacturing. He talks openly about the pressure of designing for different budgets, why accessible good design matters, and how storytelling and communication shape every product that reaches a customer.

This conversation breaks down the creative process, the reality of British manufacturing, the rise of AI in design, and the responsibility designers carry when their work ends up in thousands of homes. It is a practical and honest guide for makers, designers and anyone who wants to understand how furniture is really made.

Key Topics Covered

• How Stephen Clark found his way into furniture design
• What retail design actually involves and how budgets shape everything
• The difference between designing for Argos, Homebase and Next
• Transitioning into bespoke, handmade, high end furniture
• Starting Clark and Co and building a design business from scratch
• The importance of understanding the customer journey
• How storytelling, photography and marketing drive sales
• Balancing creative vision with manufacturing constraints
• How AI and augmented reality are changing product design
• Why communication is the most important design skill
• Stephen’s vision for future British design and commercial ranges

Enjoying the show?

Leave a review, follow us, and share the episode with a fellow maker. New episodes every week with artists, designers, craftsmen and creators from around the world.

Yours for the Making with Robin Johnson is the podcast that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of making. Hosted by Robin Johnson — founder of Johnson Bespoke and BBC presenter on The Travelling Auctioneers, The Restorers, Woodland Workshop — this podcast dives into the stories of makers from all walks of life. From woodworkers, metal fabricators, and chefs to artists, designers, and hobbyists, each episode offers real conversations with the people behind the things we love.

Whether you're a hands-on creative, aspiring artisan, or simply curious about how things are made, this podcast offers inspiration, insight, and practical wisdom. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, lessons in process and passion, and a celebration of the maker movement in all its forms.

Subscribe now and follow Yours for the Making wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.

Key Moments:

00:00 Introduction to Stephen Clark and how he found furniture design

00:53 Moving from university into retail with Home Retail Group

03:01 What it takes to design for different retailers and budgets

03:42 Shifting into bespoke manufacturing with Friend Group

08:54 Why Stephen started Clark and Co and changed direction

11:26 Understanding the customer journey and design communication

17:29 Balancing high end design with budget and manufacturing constraints

25:21 How AI supports the workflow of modern designers

34:46 Using augmented reality to help customers visualise furniture

40:57 Stephen’s future plans and long term design vision

Jacob Lockwood joins Robin Johnson to unpack the reality of building a premium clothing brand in Britain at a time when most of the industry has outsourced its craft. Jacob explains how he turned his military needs into a business that now designs and manufactures high grade British smocks using Cordura, Harris Tweed and UK sourced materials.

He talks openly about the real cost of making things properly in the UK, the struggle to find skilled machinists, the shift in consumer mindset towards buying fewer but better items, and the pressure of scaling a product while refusing to compromise on quality. Jacob also shares how he built traction without an agency, the role of social media in driving demand, and his vision to grow a British brand that stands for durability, skill and long term value.

Key Topics Covered

• Building premium British smocks from military experience
• Why Jacob refused to outsource manufacturing overseas
• The rising demand for durable and long lasting clothing
• The challenge of sourcing UK materials and skilled labour
• The financial reality of British manufacturing
• How social media drives high intent customers
• How to build a brand through trust and product integrity
• Why British craftsmanship still matters
• Future plans for new product lines and expansion
• Personal lessons from building a business from scratch

Enjoying the show?

Leave a review, follow us, and share the episode with a fellow maker. New episodes every week with artists, designers, craftsmen and creators from around the world.

Yours for the Making with Robin Johnson is the podcast that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of making. Hosted by Robin Johnson — founder of Johnson Bespoke and BBC presenter on The Travelling Auctioneers, The Restorers, Woodland Workshop — this podcast dives into the stories of makers from all walks of life. From woodworkers, metal fabricators, and chefs to artists, designers, and hobbyists, each episode offers real conversations with the people behind the things we love.

Whether you're a hands-on creative, aspiring artisan, or simply curious about how things are made, this podcast offers inspiration, insight, and practical wisdom. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, lessons in process and passion, and a celebration of the maker movement in all its forms.

Subscribe now and follow Yours for the Making wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.

Key Moments:

00:00 Introduction to Jacob and the story behind Lockwood Premium British Smocks

2:11 How military experience shaped his design philosophy

4:18 Why consumers are shifting towards premium clothing

7:35 The true cost and difficulty of British manufacturing

10:24 The challenge of finding skilled British makers

13:38 When a brand must slow down to protect quality

14:10 The role of social media in attracting loyal buyers

22:40 Why he refuses to compromise on materials

34:32 Future product plans and ambitions for the brand

37:50 Lessons Jacob learned while building the business

1:06:45 The wider impact of UK manufacturing on the economy

1:08:07 Final thoughts and Jacob’s long term vision