Peter Marsh, who served as Manufacturing Editor for the Financial Times from 1996 until 2013, established himself as a leading voice in global industrial analysis. During his three-decade tenure at the Financial Times, which he joined in 1983, Marsh reported extensively on technology, economics, and the chemicals industry, culminating in his significant role as manufacturing editor. His immersive approach to understanding global production involved visiting approximately 3,000 factories across 30 countries, providing unparalleled insight into global manufacturing practices and emerging trends. Prior to his influential career at the Financial Times, Marsh honed his journalistic skills as a reporter and editor at New Scientist for six years, beginning in 1977, following an earlier role at the Evening Post in Luton in 1973.
Marsh further solidified his deep understanding and expertise through the authorship of several influential books. His early works included ‘The Silicon Chip Book’ (Abacus, 1981), which explored the impact of microchips, ‘The Robot Age’ (Abacus, 1982), detailing the history and effects of automation, and ‘The Space Business’ (Penguin, 1985), focusing on commercial opportunities in space. In 2012, he released ‘The New Industrial Revolution: Consumers, Globalization and the End of Mass Production’ (Yale University Press). This seminal work became a recognized contribution to contemporary discussions on modern manufacturing and the future of global production.
Demonstrating his ongoing commitment to fostering industrial innovation, Marsh launched ‘Made Here Now’ in 2014, a dedicated website showcasing advancements within UK manufacturing (which concluded operations in 2025). Complementing his broader international work, he has also contributed to local media, conducting radio interviews for Soundart Radio and writing articles for Totnes Pulse, a Devon-based online magazine. Through these diverse platforms, Peter Marsh continues to expand his influence and contribute to vital discourse on industrial change, production evolution, and their impact on society.