Close

Retro: 17 pictures remembering 1980s businesses in and around Wolverhampton and the Black Country - see how many you remember

In 1980, Margaret Thatcher’s economic policies were beginning to bite across the UK, with rising unemployment, high inflation and industrial decline hitting many areas — not least the traditional manufacturing heartlands of the Black Country.

Plus
By Tania Taylor
Published

Here, we take a look back at some of the faces, businesses and familiar places captured in our archives across Wolverhampton and the Black Country, including iconic buildings that have since disappeared from the landscape.

Guy Motors, Ltd., Park Lane, Fallings Park, Wolverhampton. The first of new super-tough Landtrain trucks, specially designed for the Middle and Far East, Africa and Latin America, being inspected by Jimmy Johnson and Brian Jones.
Guy Motors, Ltd., Park Lane, Fallings Park, Wolverhampton. The first of new super-tough Landtrain trucks, specially designed for the Middle and Far East, Africa and Latin America, being inspected by Jimmy Johnson and Brian Jones. January 1980
Thompson's Tyre Services Ltd, Ettingshall Road, Wolverhampton. The firm had moved to larger premises from Cooper Street, in order to branch out into the MOT testing field. Nick Thompson is mentioned, and the photograph shows one of the fitting bays in the new premises. January 15, 1980
Thompson's Tyre Services Ltd, Ettingshall Road, Wolverhampton. The firm had moved to larger premises from Cooper Street, in order to branch out into the MOT testing field. Nick Thompson is mentioned, and the photograph shows one of the fitting bays in the new premises. January 15, 1980
Stanford Marsh, supplier of drawing office equipment and materials, 504 Dudley Road, Wolverhampton. Graham Green looking on as Gillian Woodhead worked on a draughting machine on April 24, 1980
Stanford Marsh, supplier of drawing office equipment and materials, 504 Dudley Road, Wolverhampton. Graham Green looking on as Gillian Woodhead worked on a draughting machine on April 24, 1980
R. O. (Pressings and Fabrications) Ltd, part of the Rubery Owen Group of Companies, founded in Darlaston, was celebrating its first birthday at the 1980 Motor Show at the NEC in Birmingham. The photograph shows the fabrication of the Leyland National bus rear suspension
R. O. (Pressings and Fabrications) Ltd, part of the Rubery Owen Group of Companies, founded in Darlaston, was celebrating its first birthday at the 1980 Motor Show at the NEC in Birmingham. The photograph shows the fabrication of the Leyland National bus rear suspension
Adams of Tipton, motor trading company, New Road, Great Bridge. New premises were opened at the corner of Meeting Street and Horseley Heath, Great Bridge in July 1980
Adams of Tipton, motor trading company, New Road, Great Bridge. New premises were opened at the corner of Meeting Street and Horseley Heath, Great Bridge in July 1980