Page 16 - WW1 - 1914

Remembering Redditch Residents & WW1 Redditch Local History Society

th
The Bromsgrove, Droitwich and Redditch Messenger – Saturday 29 August
1914

Trade Outlook – That the change of conditions brought about by the war will make for
the permanent good of the chief local industries there can be no doubt. The immediate
results vary greatly as between the different industries. German manufacturers of needles
have commanded a large share of the trade in the American market in the cheaper qualities
of needles, and the closure of Germany trade has even thus early caused an influx of new
business to the Redditch needle-making firms, who already have their employees working full
time upon large orders from the American and other markets. Makers of surgical and other
large and fancy needles are also busy with a promise of a still further growth of activity in
the near future. Fishing tackle employees are working about half time. Fish-hook makers
are adversely affected as sea fishing is temporarily interrupted in most seas. The local cycle
industry is rather badly hit by the war, although the business outlook has grown somewhat
brighter in the past few days. Local firms, who have been working short time in the past
fortnight, are closing for the usual stocktaking. It is expected the principal firms will upon re-
open also be able to keep their men employed at half time.

Page: 16 © RLHS 2014