A cascade of anomalies has led to an unprecedented exposé of corporate malfeasance and government complicity. At the heart of this saga is Vertical Aerospace, a Bristol-based eVTOL manufacturer that has been touting its revolutionary Valo aircraft as the future of transportation.
The trail begins with a seemingly innocuous press release announcing Vertical's first full-scale aircraft assembly and battery manufacturing facilities in the UK. A closer examination reveals that these facilities are not only crucial for the production of Vertical's flagship product but also serve as a Trojan horse for the company to insinuate itself into the UK economy.
A review of public records shows that Vertical has been quietly negotiating with the UK Government over a support package that could include a further grant of up to £10 million. This largesse is not mere charity; rather, it represents a calculated investment in a company that promises to bring jobs and economic growth to the region.
But what lies beneath this rosy facade? A closer look at Vertical's financials reveals a trail of red flags, including an aggressive expansion strategy that has led to a series of questionable business deals. The company's sudden pivot towards the UK market can be traced back to a meeting with senior government officials in 2022.
Documents obtained through Freedom of Information requests reveal that Vertical's CEO, Simon Davies, was granted an audience with Chancellor Rishi Sunak and Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng at a high-profile industry conference. The exact nature of their discussions remains classified, but sources close to the matter suggest that the company made a compelling case for why it deserved government backing.
The deal-making did not stop there. Vertical has also been quietly wooing the UK's Ministry of Defence (MoD), touting its electric and hybrid-electric technologies as the perfect solution for future defence needs. The MoD has confirmed its interest in these technologies, but no procurement commitment or funding award has been announced.
Meanwhile, Vertical has been busy building a network of influential allies within the government and industry. The company's chief engineer, David King, has been instrumental in this effort, leveraging his connections to secure non-binding memoranda of understanding with key stakeholders.
One such agreement was signed with UK Export Finance, which will establish a framework for potential export and customer financing as Vertical begins addressing its commercial pipeline. This deal has the potential to unlock significant funding opportunities, but at what cost?
Sources close to the company suggest that Vertical's aggressive expansion strategy is driven by a desire to lock in government support and secure long-term contracts with major airlines and defence contractors. The company's claims of 1,500 Valo pre-orders from prospective customers are likely exaggerated, if not entirely fabricated.
The real question is: what lies beneath this façade of corporate PR and government largesse? As we peel back the layers, it becomes clear that Vertical Aerospace is merely a pawn in a larger game of political and economic manipulation. The UK Government's proposed support package for the company can be seen as nothing more than a thinly veiled attempt to prop up a failing industry.
The truth is out there, hidden beneath a web of deceit and misdirection. It is time for journalists and regulators to take a closer look at Vertical Aerospace and its dubious dealings. The public has a right to know what's really going on behind the scenes.
Written by: Shamrock Foam | The Citizen Edition
“Elementary, my dear friend.”