How one moment 30+ years ago shaped Rob Preston’s career 

In 1985, Rob Preston was driving when he witnessed a car and caravan experiencing what he describes as a ‘violent oscillation’, resulting in a near-crash. 

This moment sparked an idea and changed the course of Rob’s future forever. 

Rob has a very creative mind, with a keen interest in engineering and art. He makes sculptures and miniature replicas of structures, some of which are displayed in Swansea’s Waterfront Museum. Impressively, Rob left school with no qualifications due to his dyslexia, so is completely self-taught.  

Using these skills, Rob wanted to come up with a solution to the cause of the caravan’s violent accident. “The end goal is to make people safer on the roads”, he said. 

After playing with ideas for many years Rob eventually made a prototype for his self-stabilising trailer and has been granted a patent on the basic concept. Things are looking very promising, with many companies showing an interest in his design.  

Rob met PRIME Cymru’s Tracy Eynon at a NPT Council business event, where he was looking for support to take his business to the next level. Tracy put him in touch with Business Wales for a start-up course and guidance on contracts. She also provided details of the New Innovators Grant, which offers funding for new designs and initiatives. 

Rob said: “Tracy’s been absolutely great because without her I didn’t know about the opportunities that existed. I needed a stress analysis on my product to get it to the next stage and with the grant I was able to do this.” 

Rob’s attitude is inspiring – at over 70 years old he encourages others to never stop chasing their goals. 

He said: “If others can do it, so can I. Opportunities have presented themselves to me and if I’d taken the attitude of I can’t do it, then I never would.” 

Opportunities have presented themselves to me and if I’d taken the attitude of I can’t do it, then I never would.

Rob’s story goes to show that even if you’ve had an idea for many years, it is never too late to bring that idea into fruition.  

PRIME Cymru’s Tracy Eynon said: “Rob is a wonderful example of how even though an idea can take a while to develop, it can still take root and flourish.” 

 If you would like support to bring your business idea to life, please get in touch. Call 01550 721813 or email enquiries@primecymru.co.uk.