Building Bikes, Brands & Beautiful Machines – with Foundry Motor Co’s Tom Simpson

In this episode of Yours For The Making, host Robin Johnson sits down with custom motorcycle builder and creative powerhouse Tom Simpson, the founder of Foundry Motor Co. Based in Chichester, Tom has spent the last 15 years handcrafting some of the UK’s most admired custom bikes - from oily-rag Triumphs to retro-futurist cafe racers that wouldn’t look out of place in Blade Runner.Tom shares how he went from blacksmithing ornamental railings to TIG-welding speedo brackets in a custom bike workshop, and why everything changed when he opened the new Foundry Coffee Lounge, a destination café and creative hub for bikers, builders, and vintage vehicle lovers.Whether you’re into custom motorcycle building, metalwork, TIG welding, or you’re dreaming of launching a brand around your passion - this episode is packed with insights, stories, and laughs from one of the UK’s most thoughtful makers.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:How Tom built a business out of custom bikes (without a business plan)Why hand-filing aluminium and TIG welding are his therapyThe inspiration behind Foundry’s signature “streamliner-meets-cafe-racer” styleWhat goes into creating a social space for bikers & makersThe real economics (and emotional drive) behind working solo vs scaling upWhy new bikes can’t match the charm of vintage machinesTools, mishaps, coffee machines, old trucks, and everything in betweenKey Moments: 0:00 - Introduction: Tom Simpson and Foundry Motor Co0:25 - First Motorcycle Experiences and Early Passion2:30 - Transition from Sales to Motorcycle Building4:35 - How Foundry Motor Co Began7:15 - New Workshop and Coffee Shop Location11:02 - Design Philosophy and Bike Inspiration15:03 - Workshop Tools and Metalworking Techniques20:37 - Personal Motorcycle and Riding Experiences22:42 - Goodwood Revival and Automotive Passion24:36 - Design Inspiration and Bike Building Process29:29 - Custom Motorcycle Scene Evolution34:32 - Working on Motorcycles and Challenges40:16 - Family and Passing on Mechanical Knowledge42:54 - Early Motorcycle Memories47:14 - Old vs New Motorcycles49:23 - Future Plans for Foundry Motor Co54:10 - Motorcycle Community and Networking55:27 - Advice for Young Motorcycle EnthusiastsEnjoying the show?Leave a review, follow us, and share the episode with a fellow maker. New episodes every week with artists, designers, craftsmen and creators from around the world.Yours for the Making with Robin Johnson is the podcast that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of making. Hosted by Robin Johnson - founder of Johnson Bespoke and BBC presenter on shows such as The Travelling Auctioneers, The Restorers, Woodland Workshop this podcast dives into the stories of makers from all walks of life. From woodworkers, metal fabricators, and chefs to artists, designers, and hobbyists, each episode offers real conversations with the people behind the things we love.Whether you're a hands-on creative, aspiring artisan, or simply curious about how things are made, this podcast offers inspiration, insight, and practical wisdom. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, lessons in process and passion, and a celebration of the maker movement in all its forms. Subscribe now and follow Yours for the Making wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.