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The inventor of a tablet holder rejected by Dragons’ Den has clinched money-spinning deals with Apple and Microsoft.

Single mum Alison Grieve, who launched G-Hold three years ago, was signed up after attending a trade show in America.

Sales of the 40-year-old’s device have soared since it was introduced to the US Home Shopping Network at the 2016 International Consumer Electronics Show. More than 10,000 were sold last December alone.

Now the product – which researchers at the University of the West of Scotland discovered can reduce repetitive strain injuries among heavy-use tablet users – is set for another boost.

The study, funded by the Scottish Government, got Alison a place at the National Ergonomics Conference and ErgoExpo in Las Vegas last November.

Alison had been disappointed when the Dragons declared themselves out on the hit BBC2 show after she asked them to invest in her firm.

But she impressed specialists from Microsoft, who asked her to design a device for their tablet/PC hybrid Surface which will launch this summer.

The businesswoman also won a referral to Apple’s main supplier of ergonomic office equipment, Office Relief, who supply other tech firms in Silicon Valley too. G-Hold was originally aimed at the food service industry before Alison saw its real potential in the booming handheld device market.

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She said: “G-Hold really adds value to Surface when it’s used as a mobile unit rather than at a desk. Microsoft are really excited about our product.”

Apple plan to roll out G-Hold to staff in their warehouse, sales and software testing divisions.

Alison said: “Last week they set us up with their supplier, Office Relief, who supply ergonomic office products across Silicon Valley.”

The device is made by McLaren Plastics in Loanhead, Midlothian.

Alison added: “Eventually we’ll partner up with one of the really big companies. We’re well on our way.”