From Chris Goodland
6 West Allington
Bridport
Dorset
DT6 5BG
29/12/99
01308 458994
In Confidence (Personal)
Dear John
I will not waste time discussing the contents of the GGSL letter accept to say that the vitriol and attitude of it has done more to showcase the Fowler’s character than any words I could construct. I need not defend or ask anyone else to comment. We may leave that to a county court judge.
The Fowlers promised to provide the commercial expertise and backing that the 1997 venture needed based on funding and resources they would put in over two years. Yet, less than 7 months after the deal was signed, I would see my salary stopped, my company car removed and have to endure a spiteful campaign from FCL that attempted to lay all the company’s ills at my feet. A campaign that constructively led to my sacking in May 1999.
Despite FCL having board control and Mike Fowler being MD with the entire responsibility of the venture under his control, attempts were made to encourage me to agree (under duress) to change the make up and character of GGSL.
In the best interests of the company, I resisted. I resisted the threat of a rights issue that would devalued the equity but would not bring new policies to GGSL. (FCL would have still have kept control of the venture).
I resisted a secured debenture issue that would have given FCL priority over any future creditors. (They wanted to claim the patent license for FCL).
I also resisted a threat that stated I HAD to fund half of any future borrowing BECAUSE I WAS A DIRECTOR. A wholly untrue and intimidating threat.
By May, I was being threatened verbally. “Don’t take me on Chris” and “Make your mind up or we will make it up for you”. Father, son and Sir Robin Buchanan preyed on me at board meetings with a level of spite and duplicity that I had never experienced before.
By then, I had realised that my previous 4 years of hard work was being trashed by a couple of builders who had no idea whatsoever to offer in the promoting or marketing Gravity Technology.
The years of sacrifice and suffering I had brought myself and my family had been a gamble but a successful one. I HAD brought the technology to commercial realisation and warranted the faith and belief that my small shareholders had placed in me. All I needed was the final commercial push to get it to market.
Imagine my horror by March 1999, in realising I had made a huge error and my precious technology and the hopes of all the small shareholders were now threatened by the incompetence of the GGSL board headed and guided by FCL shareholders.
My voiced concerns led to several unpleasant things including the following:
They stopped paying me from March 1999.
They sacked me at the end of May 1999.
From June onwards, I was not welcome at GGSL.
My solicitor (and you and other small shareholders) reminded me that I could sue for loss of earnings / broken contracts etc. I said I would rather find a positive way out of the dilemma. (I also told Fowler that bringing GGSL down was the last thing on my mind).
In July, alone and without support from GGSL, I attended the Tomorrows World Inventions Fair – still promoting the technology. (I was also a Tomorrows World Judge).
From June till November 1999, I travelled across England negotiating with third parties and held discussions with Dominic Martelli, Marcus Yeoman, Davidson Innovations, Westlake Innovations, Sphinx Exhibitions, Adventurous Ltd, Solutions, The I.P.I, and scores of others. I also encouraged responses from abroad including two separate contacts in Australia (one still very much alive).
Along the way, I met my mentor, Mr Alan Wilcher, with links across the UK, Europe, the States and the Middle East. Alan has proved to be the person I had been seeking for the venture for these last 5 years.
Before, during and since these initiatives, I had asked GGSL /FCL for help, financial or otherwise but was offered none.
Today, having kept GGSL abreast of contacts, I maintain a list of interested parties – none of which wish to deal with GGSL while it has FCL at the helm.
In September, unpaid since March and bringing nothing but gloom to my family, the strain finally took its toll. After a 20 year love story, Jackie and I separated. (Today, she has a new partner). Oliver, my 15 year old boy is angry. Sophie, my 12 year old daughter is confused and we are all heartbroken.
By October 1999, I was living alone in a little flat, with no income, the GGSL based Gravity venture lying in tatters and just the prospect of Icarus Innovations Ltd regaining the patents. Icarus is unsure if it wants the responsibility of the patents back.
(Icarus Innovations Ltd, which has served a Breach and Remedy notice on GGSL, COULD legitimately withdraw the GGSL patent licence but, I believe, is currently seeking legal advice on the best way to move forward)
The act of finally suing “my own company” brought on Panic disorder and night terror, reactive depression and a condition called “Disassociation”. These are anxiety and stress related conditions caused by the strain of the last several months.
As Christmas approached (with all its charged emotions of family celebration), I finally had to acknowledge the folly of the previous 5 years.
That “Thing” and the failed FCL led GGSL venture had cost me everything I ever held dear.
On the 5th of December 1999, I awoke dreading the day and could not stop the feelings of absolute heartbreak and despair that were ravaging me. My life was a nightmare. It had become a living hell. In that moment, all my demons descended and swept away my spirit. I was beaten. I felt it was all over and wanted to die.
I phoned a consultant as the Hughes Clinic, Bridport hospital and was seen immediately. Later, I picked up tablets from my doctor.
At the Health Centre, by a stroke of fate, I also bumped into an old girlfriend – somebody that represented something I thought I had lost entirely. An emotion called hope – just a flicker, just a hint – but a tiny flame to focus upon.
I felt entirely naked and alone in the world but, in meeting my old friend, had recognised that there could be something good “out there” IF I could hold on or possibly rebuild.
For the following week, I did built on those thoughts and began to look at the coming new year as a chance to start again.
The 15th of December would be my 43rd birthday. I would draw a line in the sand and start afresh from that date…………………….but I did not get the chance.
On the 15th, I was diagnosed as having a deep vein thrombosis (Blood clots in the leg that untreated, go straight to the heart / lungs). I was immediately booked into Dorchester county hospital.
I stayed there for 7 days while my condition was stabilised, each night drifting off to sleep wondering if I was going to wake the following morning. That experience, more than any other, has now shaped my future.
The panic attacks have for the most part ceased. The depression, while real, is now blinded by my thirst for LIFE and my only true objective is to regain full health, some happiness and a simpler more gentle future for myself.
Today, and possibly for life, I am on Warfarin, a blood thinning agent – and (at present) can barely walk. I shuffle along like an old man.
However, such a life changing revelation cannot rectify things overnight.
Out of hospital, I spent Christmas day alone in my flat. – weeping. (A further chance to reflect). I held a thought that the government had even allowed convicted murderers out of the maze prison so that they could share Christmas day with their loved ones. What heinous crime had I committed to deserve spending Christmas alone when even convicted terrorists were being allowed home?
Like Christmas, I have no plans or anyone to share New Years Eve with and despite all my efforts to rally myself, have to appreciate that my recovery may take months if not years.
In the new year, I MUST start afresh. That might mean getting a “regular job. It will certainly mean getting fit and healthy and hopefully, may even involve a new romance or friendship.
However, I have no income whatsoever – just equity in Gravity technology.
I own 100% of Icarus Innovations Ltd, the company that OWNS Gravity technology, its patents and trademarks.
I own 42.5% of GGSL, the licensing company.
Ironically, any future I may try to build may rely on borrowing on or selling the interest I still hold in the Gravity Venture. More ironically, it appears that others regard my influence as vital or certainly beneficial to the future success of the venture.
It is true, as a catalyst, I can bring together interested parties, potential licensors and manufacturers and possibly pursue some PR related tasks.
BUT
I cannot continue without a stronger foundation than I have at present and that will involve funds, support and help.
Justification
I held on and held out right till the end. Right till my mind and body finally forced me to stop. I dare anybody to state that I have not worked entirely in the interests of GGSL and Gravity Technology. I have – to the point of destroying everything precious within and around me.
I spent months agonising over my responsibilities to my loyal small shareholders – worrying and fretting continuously – pumping dangerous adrenalin around my veins in the process. The final outcome of that brought me to within an inch of my life – staring up from a hospital bed.
Of course, when all is said, it was “Just a gadget”. At the end of the day, It was just “A bit of an idea” and even the grand Inventor “this” and Inventor “that” titles meant absolutely nothing whatsoever. How could it compared to life, love, family and health? – things I foolishly neglected.
I am lucky though. At 43, I have been starkly reminded of the precious things in life. My own “precious things” have been sacrificed but I, at least, have been brought back down to earth with a jolt and am young enough to rebuild a new, perhaps more gentle future for myself.
I can write off my original 87% stake in OLDCO. I can write off or sell my 42.5% stake in GGSL. I could even sell my entire stake in Icarus – or just let events take their course and see the whole pack of cards tumble in on itself.
Nobody can hurt me further John. Apart from being struck by a meteorite, I think I have experienced more than most. I am weary……………..but determined to reflect my remaining energy back into mending myself.
Approaching a new century, I intend to put the same energy into rebuilding ME as I did in building up the Gravity Venture. Nothing else will be as important to me.
But how?
I need cash. I need funding. Without it, I will be evicted within days. Without it, I cannot buy food. Without it, I cannot begin my rebuilding programme.
I am capable of continuing the Gravity Venture, employing the same charm, the same energy and the same enthusiasm – albeit in a more gentle and harmonious fashion but the venture will never again consume me – I can live with or without it.
It is for others to decide (You, the small shareholders, interested parties) if I am worth re-assembling. Am I worth picking up and dusting down?
But it must be soon and it must be more than just talk or hand holding. I have exhausted my own efforts and given the venture everything. Whether it is from monies owed to me by GGSL, FCL or other interested parties, I will need funding to pursue any further interest in the venture.
A way forward?
Apart from the legal options (not discussed here), I have only one suggestion to offer. I need a minimum 15K – 20K to heal and regroup. For that, I offer equity in either GGSL or Icarus Innovations Ltd. I need 5K NOW! – immediately – with a further 10 – 15K for Icarus within months. Without 5K I am finished – through.
I could remain the hub of the venture (and do continue to receive interest) but I am capable of simply walking away and putting the whole experience behind me. Alternatively, Icarus Innovations Ltd may just sell its patents TO A NEW COMPANY.
John, if you want to help, you (or Ian) might consider purchasing equity or loaning me money. It is the only thing that can now stop me and the Gravity venture from parting company. Failing a respite to enable me to regroup, I might be better off getting a little job in some sleepy village and just look forward to coming home to a dear new wife and a stoked coal fire.
Employment
I am serious. If you cannot help me with the Gravity Venture, would you consider passing my details to your personnel department or recommending me to any friends you have in your own commercial circle? (I can send a CV).
OK, we know I am a mess at the moment but boy, what vision, determination and tenacity I have shown!! Surely I am good for something!
I mean it John. 9 till 5. Being a part of the herd suddenly seems great to me. I have climbed my mountain and strived enough. Just find me a routine (but interesting) new career.
A FINAL POINT
The tragedy is that the technology has never let any of us down, not once, not ever. It remains “A stroke of genius”, it remains “An exquisite piece of engineering” and simply “A work of art”.
Like Picasso, Whittle and others, my “work” may still take decades to influence and change our world but one day, like many before me, my suffering will form a part of the actual story of its discovery.
It does not matter if I live long enough to appreciate that point because I already know, and have known from the moment I created it that I had brought something profound into being.
The trouble is, in bringing the world a new technology, I have had to sacrifice and lose everything.
As far as the Fowlers are concerned, they despise me and are incapable of holding anything remotely akin to a personal, emotional or humanised view of the world.
Fred, in particular once admitted to me that he had always been aware of his “little rich boy” tag. He admitted to me that he had grown up spoilt, protected and insulated from the knocks of “everyday” life. Both Fred and Mike are entirely emotionless. They are clinical – but not clever.`
As a consequence, both Mike and Fred were entirely unsuited for dealing with my passionate and enthusiastic character. To them, everything was just numbers and cash flow, spreadsheets and profits and my time at GGSL was spent as an outsider. A junior. Someone to be merely tolerated.
Even today, they will imagine they are sitting on their 45% stake as if it is some unsold house – believing that eventually somebody will come along and buy it.
That is their mentality and being “well off”, they can stand such an attitude – but it will not happen like that. Nobody is interested in purchasing their shares at the rate they wish to realise.
The Fowler’s need telling in no uncertain terms that I am neither intimidated, fearful, concerned or interested in what they wish or plan to do.
I might choose to:
- Sell, give up or throw the whole thing away.
OR
- Leave the patent license with GGSL (It will have to fund all future patent bills).
- Take back the license (and let FCL sue) Who cares?
- Forget I ever thought of the thing.
- Put a gun in my mouth.
- Emigrate
- Hire a shack by a lake and pursue a writing career (Favourite choice!)
The one thing the Fowlers might hope I do not consider is the prospect of me seeking revenge and retribution for what they have delivered upon me and my fractured and broken family.
I gave them a lively, vibrant new technology with most of the risks knocked out of it. They have taken my technology (and my life) and trashed both.
That is a difficult emotion to deal with.
MONEY – That is the only thing to oil the rusted wheels that are now halting me, the Gravity Venture and any future plans. My preference would be to see Fowler money. Fowler money that is owed. Fowler money that was promised. Fowler money that was “not a problem” leading up to the signing of the deal. Fowler money that would come from “The confidence of the banks” as a result of the Fowler “Influence”.
Failing that, I have to find an immediate 5K, either by selling equity or securing a loan from a friend or interested party. I would use such a sum merely to lick my wounds, secure my private out goings for a few months and plan (with help) exactly where to go next.
A further 15K would need to be realised to provide a steel ring of protection around Icarus, myself and the technology. (Alternatively, I sell Icarus complete).
I would welcome an opportunity to talk, hopefully early in the new year. I would also warn you of the duplicity and double talking you can expect from FCL. Be wary John. They say things but follow up different things in writing.
I have seen it first hand and can recognise, step over or hop through their “suggestions” and ALWAYS take time to allow their “suggestions” to sink in. They usually conceal other motives.
Apart from 1 letter sent on behalf of Icarus, Icarus has kept its powder dry – not revealing more than required and saving its options for the future.
As an employee of GGSL, I too have not revealed my future plans – save to request monies I allege are owed to me.
As a GGSL director, I have consistently pursued the goal of finding backers or a buyer for the FCL shares.
I remain confident that I can retrieve either the technology or regain leadership of GGSL. Either option would open up the opportunities awaiting the technology.
I am happy to informally discuss these matters further (after taking advice from M.Harvey solicitor) and look forward to a meeting – but I need funding – fast.
Regards
Chris Goodland
PPS
Regarding the infamous GGSL letter of scorn, I have STRUCTURED replies prepared as a director of Icarus, a director of GGSL and as an individual, (an employee) of GGSL. They may be sent out as required.
Current list of live contacts
Inventurous Ltd, Huntingdon 8/10
Solutions, London unknown
Davidson Innovations, Manchester 6/10
Transhorizon, Australia 8/10
Jannock, Wallingford 7/10
Marketing Genius, Bath 5/10
TLD, London 4/10
Malcombe Cook, Portsmouth 7/10
Chaim Shine 7/10
Marcus Yeoman 4/10
Bridport PLC
About the Author
