Our Story

Frank Thomas History

Frank Thomas started life in January 1982 as the brainchild of two entrepreneurs Peter Laughton and David Wooding who founded the company to make Motorcycle boots.

The duo used about 300 outworkers from the shoe industry in Northamptonshire to make the boots in their homes which Peter, the sales & marketing specialist, took to motorcycle shows up and down the country.

Back in the early 80's motorcycle gear was conservative and generally only available in black which is why Peter & David named their company Frank Thomas. They wanted a traditional, classic, British name.

An innovative company Frank Thomas, in association with two racing legends, Ron Haslam and Roger Marshall, developed their first ever racing boot in a range of bright colours. There was no other company produced anything like these boots which became extremely popular and the company was selling them as fast as they could make them.

Modern Day

In 2011 the Frank Thomas Group Brands were acquired by J&S Accessories, the largest independent motorcycling clothing and accessories retailer in the UK.

Frank Thomas still has a base in Northamptonshire, with the Finedon warehouse and Factory Shop which also houses the same skilled team of machinists/seamstresses who now offer a quality repair and alterations service.

Frank Thomas has continued to go from strength to strength under the expert stewardship of J&S Accessories improving on the commitment to quality and innovation of the original founders Peter and David.

All Frank Thomas products continue to be designed in the UK and we work with our suppliers and British Superbike Championship sponsored riders to improve and develop additions to the Frank Thomas range of clothing, boots, gloves, helmets and accessories.