Industry in Woking
Oral History

Nurseries have been important in the area since the 18th century. There have been three major companies: Goldsworth Nursery (known locally as Slocock’s), Knap Hill Nurseries, established in the 1760s by the Waterer family, and Woking Nurseries, known locally as Jackman’s. Nurseries within the borough are still famous, particularly for rhododendrons, azaleas and clematis.

With its excellent transport links, Woking has attracted many industries. In 1915 the buildings of the Royal Dramatic College were taken over by Martinsydes, first making planes and then motorcycles. In 1926 the same buildings were taken over by James Walker (producers of industrial seals), known locally as ‘The Lion Works’. Other local companies in the inter-war years included the Sorbo (rubber company) and GQ Parachutes.

In 1948 Ken Wood set up his company – Kenwood – in Goldsworth Road, starting with capital of just £800. The company moved to Havant in the 1970s.
A number of businesses moved to Sheerwater when the estate was built after the Second World War. These included Wandsworth Electrical and, later, McLaren International. McLaren is now based at the magnificent McLaren Technology Centre (designed by Sir Norman Foster), next to Horsell Common.