FORMER Top Gear presenter Richard Hammond co-founded Hamster's Wheel Productions back in 2008 but that business is now being liquidated, netting Hammond £4 million in the process.
Here is all you need to know about Hamster's Wheel Productions and how it started.
Founding Hamster's Wheel Productions
Richard Hammond co-founded Hamster's Wheel Productions in January 2008 alongside his then-wife, Mindy Hammond.
The company was established as Hammond's own television production business, giving him greater involvement in developing and producing programmes linked to his broadcasting career rather than simply presenting them.
Why it was created
The company was formed to support and develop factual entertainment, science and motoring-related television projects.
By creating his own production company, Hammond was able to expand beyond presenting roles and participate in the development and production of original television content.
The meaning behind the name
The name Hamster's Wheel Productions was inspired by Hammond's long-standing nickname,"The Hamster", which became famous during his years on Top Gear.
The company name combined this well-known nickname with a reference to the television industry's fast-paced nature.
Television projects
Over the years, the company was involved in developing and producing a variety of programmes, including Richard Hammond's Blast Lab, Wild Weather and Lab Rats.
These shows reflected Hammond's interests in science, engineering, technology and entertainment, helping to broaden his portfolio beyond motoring television.
Links to Herefordshire
Although the company's registered office was based in London, it had close links to Herefordshire through Hammond, who lived near Ross-on-Wye for many years before moving to Abergavenny.
The business became one of several ventures connected to Hammond's life in the county, alongside his classic vehicle restoration company, The Smallest Cog, in Hereford's Rotherwas.
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The company's closure
After operating for nearly 18 years, Hamster's Wheel Productions entered voluntary liquidation in 2026.
Despite closing, the company remained solvent and had accumulated significant assets during its lifetime, marking the end of one of the longest-running businesses associated with Hammond's television career.
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