Ryan Matthew history

Ian Hill went straight from school into Feridax in 1975, leaving as sales office manager in 1986 to join Lewis James, a promotional clothing company based in Tamworth. As sales director there, he was responsible for sales of promotional clothing to companies like Kawasaki, Yamaha, Rock Oil and Silkolene.

Ian quit in 1992 and created his own company Hill Clothing, also engaged in promotional gear, before going to Mid West Marketing for five years, selling the Rayven range of entry-level helmet's and associated motorcycle clothing

Lintek's takeover by Frank Thomas created the opportunity for Ian to step into the wholesale market on his own, first as an agent for the Lookwell range from November 2004. But his business received a huge boost when the late Syd Tooth, formerly the managing director of Feridax, financially supported Ian's purchase of stock including 7500 helmets, 3000 pairs of Styl Martin boots and the Ryan Matthew apparel range.

Sadly Syd Tooth died in september aged 83, though without affecting the financial stability of Ryan Matthew. 'I had known him for more than 30 years', says Ian. 'He was my friend, business partner and mentor who has been a huge inspiration to me, even in his last days. He will be terribly missed. I will never forget the opportunity he has given me. his memory just makes me even more determined to succeed'.