After The Grand Tour concluded with its original hosts, Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May didn’t just fade from public view. Each leveraged their fame from Top Gear and The Grand Tour to explore an array of diverse and sometimes surprising business and media ventures. Here are 10 fact-checked things to know about the trio’s other business interests after their time together as motoring TV legends, with specific details on platforms and sources where relevant.
10. The End of W Chump & Sons Production Company
In July 2024, it was reported that W Chump & Sons—the production company co-owned by Clarkson, Hammond, and May—was officially dissolved. The company played a key role in producing The Grand Tour for Amazon Prime Video from 2016 through 2024, and its dissolution marked a major business transition for the trio. The news was widely reported in The Independent and UK business media.
9. Jeremy Clarkson’s Farm and Pub Empire
Following The Grand Tour, Jeremy Clarkson focused on his now-famous Diddly Squat Farm, featured in the Clarkson’s Farm series on Amazon Prime Video (2021–2025). He expanded his rural business interests by acquiring a Cotswolds pub for £1 million—a move highlighted in recent seasons of the show—as well as operating a successful farm shop, brewing business, and producing his own range of products.
8. James May’s Live Travel Shows and Stage Productions
In 2025, James May launched a new live show, Explorers, embarking on a tour across Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore, with further UK dates. Announced on his Instagram and covered by Digital Spy, the show features cinematic storytelling about historic adventures and explorers, signaling May’s move into live, intellectual entertainment after TV.
7. Hammond’s Classic Car Restoration Business
Richard Hammond pivoted to his longtime passion for classic cars by establishing The Smallest Cog, his classic car restoration business. Featured on Discovery+ in the series Richard Hammond’s Workshop (since 2021), Hammond’s business focuses on high-end vehicle restorations and serves as a hands-on, post-Grand Tour venture.
6. The Trio’s Media and Merchandising Empire
Through companies like Bedder 6 and past ventures (as detailed by their entry in Wikipedia), the trio collectively benefited from the global merchandising, events, and exploitation of the Top Gear brand before and during their Grand Tour era. In its heyday, Bedder 6 managed licensing for Top Gear Live shows and a wide range of international merchandising—a business legacy that continues to yield royalty income for all three.
5. May’s Food and Drink Adventures
James May found solo success with his Amazon Prime series Oh Cook!—a lighthearted culinary journey that led to a top-selling companion cookbook. He further opened his own pub, The Royal Oak, in Swallowcliffe in 2023, expanding his profile into hospitality and food media.
4. Hammond’s YouTube and Online Content Creation
Richard Hammond embraced digital media with his YouTube channel DriveTribe (founded with Clarkson and May), which covered car culture, automotive news, and restoration projects. Even after they sold their stakes, Hammond continued producing automotive content and recently revived DriveTribe with a focus on classic cars and restoration advice.
3. Business Wind-Downs and Refocusing
By 2024–2025, both Clarkson and Hammond commented publicly (including in Yahoo News UK and various interviews) that they’re unlikely to launch new businesses again. Clarkson declared he’s “done with business,” signaling a move towards a quieter life even while his farm and shop remain active.
2. Nostalgic Media Ventures and Special Appearances
James May and Richard Hammond made nostalgic returns to the Top Gear studio in 2025, as documented by Deadline and featured on May’s YouTube channel. These visits, including a reunion walk around Dunsfold Aerodrome, generated a wave of nostalgia-driven content and special appearances reflecting on their time in television.
1. Ongoing Solo TV Projects
Despite the end of their joint projects, all three remain active in solo TV work. Clarkson’s Clarkson’s Farm continues on Amazon Prime to record ratings. May hosts global travel series, quizzes, and now live shows, while Hammond remains on Discovery+ and other outlets with restoration and automotive programs. They have, in effect, carved out media brands that extend well beyond their original car show formulas.
Conclusion
After The Grand Tour, Clarkson, Hammond, and May have successfully reimagined their careers—not just as TV hosts, but as entrepreneurs, content creators, and brand builders in their own right. Their business interests now span farming, media, restoration workshops, publishing, live events, and hospitality, reflecting the scale of their influence and their enduring appeal beyond the motoring world.
Recent Comments