Wigan cycling enthusiast on rapid route to success as a frame builder

Tom has enjoyed a rapid rise to success in frame building after heading to London to study at university and learning from some of the biggest names in the industry.

His persistence and passion for cycle design is now paying off with his skills being recognised in the trade at the age of just 25.

He says he has also made the most of the situation with the coronavirus, which has enabled him to dedicate his time to frame building.

Tom, who now lives in Lewisham in the capital city, said: “I always knew this was wanted I wanted to do but didn’t know how to get into it.

“Through getting to know people involved I managed to get a lot of experience in a short space of time.

“I managed to buy a workshop near me and lockdown has allowed me to grow my business. I was furloughed from my job managing pubs and it has really given me time and freedom to do this. I have been quite lucky.”

Growing up Tom loved BMX riding and skateboarding and got a job aged 16 at Alan’s in Wigan town centre.

He headed for Goldsmith’s University to study design and took his first step into frame building with Ted James, a leading figure in cycling.

However, learning from him over one summer was not entirely straightforward.

Tom said: “He was the guy I looked up to so I was hounding him to see if I could work for him.

“The first couple of weeks I pitched up at a camp site and lived from a tent. There was an office space in the workshop so I moved my roll mat and sleeping bag in there, but there were no real washing facilities so I went to a gorgeous lake in a park up the road.

“I was doing that for about four months. It was quite an experience.”

Tom hopes to expand Hesson Labs to offer custom-built BMX and mountain bikes as well and says his ambition is to see one of his frames for sale in Wigan.

He spoke of being keen to return north and continue his work closer to home and said he has been encouraged to see more people venturing out on two wheels in lockdown.