Hesketh Motorcycles was originally formed by Alexander, 3rd Lord Hesketh, in 1980 and for a time the company was based at his country estate at Easton Neston. He was probably better known for his private motor racing team, which gave James Hunt his first taste of success in Formula 1™. During the early part of the 80s the company produced the V1000 and Vampire models, before ceasing full production in 1984. Limited production was maintained until the company was acquired by Paul Sleeman in in 2010.

Production was moved from Nothamptonshire to Surrey, where a new showroom and specialist workshop was opened in affluent Kingswood, near Redhill. In 2012, Paul created the Kingswood V1000, of which only five bespoke machines were produced. With the original V1000 and Vampire models finally ceasing production after 32 years, Hesketh Motorcycles announced an all-new limited edition bike to be called the Hesketh 24. They have since added a further model called the Sonnet.

Honda of the UK Manufacturing Ltd (HUM), was established in Swindon, Wiltshire, in 1985 and has been producing cars here since 1992. Honda is committed to manufacturing in the UK and the annual awards and accolades presented to the vehicles built at HUM demostrate the plant's priority on producing high quality products for the European market. Over the last thirty years, Honda has invested over £1.55 billion into its manufacturing operation in Swindon and now employs over 3000 Associates. and has a total production capacity of 250,000 units a year in Car Plants 1 and 2. Swindon is now the world production hub for the 5 door Civic, including the Type R, with the model exported to over 70 countries. A separate plant manufactures engines with the ability to produce 1000 engines a day.