A MALVERN entrepreneur who was unable to run his business after injuring his back in a fall has been handed a lifeline after his customers rallied around to keep the firm going.
Malcolm Victory, owner of Rotaire Dryline based in Malvern Wells, damaged back ligaments after slipping in a town supermarket ten months ago.
The 65-year-old was carrying two boxes of eggs and when he tried to turn into the next aisle, he tripped on a spillage, causing bruising to his hip and elbows.
And, after finding out the extent of his injuries, he said he feared for the future of his business.
“I was still mobile but was constantly suffering from the pain in my back.
”I put out the distress call to customers but I had no idea what the outcome would be.
“I was absolutely delighted by the loyal support of so many people.”
Unable to run his business due to his injuries, Mr Victory told his 5,000 loyal customers that without investment he would no longer be able to supply the Dryline to them.
The Dryline, developed in 2005, attaches to a rotary washing line and forms a rainproof canopy to keep laundry dry in poor weather.
His customers were so concerned that they pumped thousands of pounds into the business over the last ten months to keep it afloat.
Some have even put their life savings into shares to preserve the company’s future.
The funds will now be used to further develop the Dryline product and help dispose of older stock.
Mr Victory said: “After being unable to run the business for months through injury their reaction really gave me a reason to go on.
“I have received so many lovely comments from customers who have benefited from it.”
One of his customers said: “Good luck with the future of your company.
“You have a wonderful product. I love it to pieces.
“I can honestly say it has improved my life.”
The situation has led Mr Victory, who has featured on BBC Two’s Dragons’ Den and Chris Evans’ Radio 2 show with his invention, to think about the long-term future.
He said he hoped to sell the company to somebody who could take it forward.
“I can’t keep running the business forever so hopefully it can continue in someone else’s hands in a few years’ time,” he added.
