Thomas Frost

2014 - 2015

Thomas Frost was brought up in Hertfordshire, and after school spent a year working abroad in South Africa and Kenya. On his return to the UK he qualified as a chartered accountant in the City, following which he joined Whitbread International as their Financial Controller for five years, frequently travelling abroad throughout Europe.

In 1973 he moved to Gloucestershire working in Malmesbury as Finance Director and Secretary for an electrical light company before jointly selling it on to a large PLC. He then joined ARC at their head office in Chipping Sodbury as their Commercial Director responsible for their Building Products division until their takeover by Hanson PLC in 1991. From there he decided to acquire a distressed electrical manufacturer which he managed to turn round and grow to an organisation employing a workforce of some 120 with a strong global customer base, before selling the business on to a private management team.

Tom is a keen and dedicated countryman with interests in conservation, gardening, bloodstock breeding and exercising their five dogs (he is currently President of the Lucas Terrier Club) as well as the odd game of golf. He is also an enthusiastic supporter of Gloucestershire's County Cricket side. Since 2003, he has been concentrating on his property business and supporting several biotech start-ups locally as well as running the family's small farm.

He is Chair of his family-based charity dedicated to eye diseases and the prevention of blindness. This organisation is closely aligned with Bristol Eye Hospital and also offers fellowships to young trainee ophthalmologists.

Tom and his wife, Carolyn, have lived for over 40 years at their home in South Gloucestershire and have three grown-up boys and three young grandchildren.