Richard Hammond’s business enters liquidation after 18 years

A business owned by Richard Hammond has entered liquidation following 18 years of operation. Hamster’s Wheel Productions, which was founded by the Top Gear star and his-then wife Mindy Hammond in 2008, has been put into voluntary liquidation. A Declaration of Solvency document, published last week on Companies House, reveals that the firm has £2.3 million and is owed a further £1.45 million. It is also able to recover £176,573 from the government for corporation tax payments.

Mr Hammond, 56, is best known for co-hosting Top Gear, between 2002 and 2015, and The Grand Tour, from 2016 until 2024. He formed one of the most recognisable trios in British TV history, alongside Jeremy Clarkson and James May.

Nicknamed “The Hamster” due to his fairly short stature, Mr Hammond founded Hamster’s Wheel Productions alongside his former wife Mindy. The London-based independent production company developed, supported and produced media products and TV ventures, including Richard Hammond’s Blast Lab, Wild Weather, and Lab Rats.

However, Mr and Mrs Hammond ended their marriage after 28 years and entered the company into a voluntary liquidation last month. As it was solvent at the time, the closure triggered a financial windfall of almost £4 million.

It was previously reported that Mr Hammond moved out of the family’s home near Ross-on-Wye, in Herefordshire, following the split. He then spent time living in rented accomodation before moving to Wales.

He said at the time of the separation in 2025: “A little update from us; this Christmas we were together as a family, and this year we will still be a family but just structured a bit differently. Our marriage is coming to an end, but we’ve had an amazing 28 years together and two incredible daughters. We will always be in each other’s lives and are proud of the family we created. With Love, Richard and Mindy.”

Companies House has now confirmed their company has been put into liquidation. They are set to share almost £4 million from the business.

It was involved co-developing and producing Richard Hammond’s Blast Lab, a children’s science game show that aired on the BBC, as well as Wild Weather, a documentary series exploring Earth’s extreme climate dynamics. It also helped create Lab Rats, another BBC sciene series aimed at engaging a younger audience.