A manufacturer supporting the live music scene has told how Covid has taken his Hull business to the brink as he explores further grant support.
LS Enterprises Ltd makes protective cases for instruments and other key equipment.
The business was established by former musician John Dixon, and trades from a factory unit on West Dock Street.
And despite a prestigious past that has seen it safeguard one of tennis’ top trophies and camera for BBC and ITV outside broadcast teams - it is now teetering.
Mr Dixon, who has pivoted to Covid screens for some income, said: “All the guys are on furlough, we didn’t expect it to go on as long as it has.
“We are the only company in the world manufacturing the products that we do. I’ve been doing this for nearly 30 years, we’ve worked for the MoD, BBC, ITV, but since Covid there has been a drought.
“We were really busy in music and arts, manufacturing protective cases for equipment, guitars, speakers ,cameras. They are made from aircraft grade aluminium.
“We had a massive amount of work as Covid hit, but it just pulled the rug from under our feet. I’ve cashed pensions in to keep the company running, I’m 66 and I’m wearing myself out just thinking about it. I was in a position like this 25 years ago, but now I’m just tired.
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“I’m hoping we can get sorted and maybe go further. We’re looking to push our stuff on the internet, I’ve got a couple of YouTubers involved too.”
From 16 until 21 he was in a band, touring Europe at one point. He got married and had children, and while he was a time-served motor mechanic he was “more interested in making things”.
Aside from instruments and stage equipment, the cases have also been used for samples for window manufacturers and the company highlight - tennis’ Davis Cup. Now a call from god - or a vicar seeking Covid screens, has set him on a path to some work.
The manufacturing process involves machines self-built to suit the bespoke requirements, normally used by the five-strong team.
“I’ve been sitting in the office by myself, we had the first lot of grants, now I’m hoping the second round can be used to support us too,” he said as he works through options with the local authority as a business dependent on crowd-based activity.
“I really hope there is a lifeline here. "