Entrepreneur battles from broken back to launching his own business

Vapour Creations. Managing director Hal Hutchison. Picture: Submitted (Image: Archant)

For it was while convalescing after the crash, which happened in Norwich on March 13, 2015, that Mr Hutchison cooked up the idea for bringing theatrical drinks to the mainstream.

And after starting a business supplying dry ice to bars across the UK a year ago, the entrepreneur now sells more than a tonne every week.

'While on holiday in London I was visiting some cocktail bars and saw cocktails involving dry ice,' he said. 'I noticed that local bars in Norfolk had nothing like this.

'Then when I was in hospital just doing nothing I wanted to do something to pass the time. I got my laptop out and starting using the time to do research.'

Mr Hutchison, a former Notre Dame High School student, then came up with the idea for Vapour Creations.

It supplies dry ice to pubs and bars for use in drinks, creating a mystical, smoky effect.

'While most would be worrying about being able to walk again, that was my second concern – the primary [was] being able to say that I'm the managing director of my own successful company,' he said.

Now he splits his time between the business – which he operates without holding stock and using a drop shipping model – and working as a sales manager for an oil and gas publication.

'I don't need to handle any stock and can ship anywhere in the UK,' he said.

'But if this unfortunate event never happened I would not be sitting where I am now.'

His next venture is a mobile bar, which he is taking to weddings and equestrian events. 'It's a molecular mixology bar,' he added.

Mr Hutchison said he wants to double the business over the next year, and within five years, own his own bar or club.

Is your new business going from strength to strength? Call business writer Sabah Meddings on 01603 772879 or email sabah.meddings@archant.co.uk