Dyson

A number of major companies were involved, including the carmakers Ford and McLaren, and the electronics giant Dyson.

In a statement, Dyson said Sir James Dyson responded to a personal call from Boris Johnson to "develop and make a medical-grade ventilator in 30 days during the national emergency".

"Far from receiving any commercial benefit, there was significant commercial cost to Dyson which diverted 450 engineers away from commercial projects," added a company spokesperson.

There was frustration with the ownership as chief executive Phil Parsons - who joined from Dyson in July 2023 - had limited experience in the game and the club struggled to move quickly enough to get deals done last summer.

There was frustration with the ownership as chief executive Phil Parsons - who joined from Dyson in July 2023 - had limited experience in the game and the club struggled to move quickly enough to get deals done.