About Alcraft
David Alcraft
Chairman & FounderDavid is leading the effort to establish an independent car design, development and manufacturing business founded on British design and engineering. He has a strong track record in building British businesses, most recently having grown his medical firm into a multinational organisation, twice being given the Queen’s Award for Industry. David is also passionate about classic cars and owner of a substantial classic car image archive.
Mark Carbery
Chief Operating OfficerMark has over 25 years’ experience of motor industry communications. He has been central to the launches of two completely new car brands – Lexus and Daewoo – and as Michelin’s Director of Communications Northern Europe launched its last F1 programme.As well as brand strategy, marketing and PR, he has worked in product planning and product development, and is responsible for Alcraft’s business operations.
Matthew Humphries
Head of DesignMatthew is formerly Head of Design at Morgan Cars, where he modernised the company’s design capabilities. He created the hydrogen fuel-cell Life Car, Aeromax, Plus 8, Eva GT, Supersports and Aero Coupe, and reinvented the iconic Morgan three-wheeler. He now also designs and produces watches, and is a senior vehicle design tutor at London’s world-renowned Royal College of Art. Matthew leads the development of Alcraft Motor Company’s design language.
Bill McCue
Head of FinanceBill has extensive experience including roles as COO, FD and IT Director in sectors ranging from engineering to banking. He operates across the business spectrum, but specialises in developing companies’ finance and support systems to underpin business growth and value. He was a key member of the team which built and sold David Alcraft’s multinational medical business, and is leading Alcraft Motor Company’s financial and funding strategy.
Charles Morgan
Associate DirectorCharles is synonymous with Britain’s specialist car industry, having spent almost 30 years at Morgan. As well as roles as Strategy Director and MD he drove its adoption of new technologies, including aluminium and electric powertrains. He was on the Executive board of the SMMT from 2005-14, and is a member of the Automotive Council Technology Advisory Board and SMMT Forum. Charles brings uniquely relevant experience to Alcraft Motor.
Christopher Macgowan
AdvisorChristopher is one of the automotive industry’s best-known figures, having been CEO of both its key trade bodies, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders and the Retail Motor Industry Federation. He was made an OBE in 2008. He is a member of the RAC Foundation Public Policy Committee and is a powerful advocate of the UK as a global automotive operating centre. Christopher guides Alcraft Motor Company on governance.
Yvonne Farnsworth
Administration ExecutiveYvonne is an experienced administrator with accounting skills who has worked with David Alcraft over a long period, helping him build his last, multinational business. She was in retail banking at Lloyds, before leaving to establish a successful security, entertainment and phone systems business which was sold to Chubb.
DAVID’S STORY
Medicine to electric vehicles? Well, David does have a track record of developing products and taking them to production. And he’s built successful businesses from scratch. But the two things inspiring him to build an electric vehicle business are steam and vodka – both natural but with transformative properties.
David loves vintage and classic cars, which is where the steam comes in. On discovering that steam cars were setting speed records at the turn of the 20th century his curiosity was piqued. He managed to get a ride in a Stanley which had reached 127mph in 1906, and became a sponsor of Don Wales’ successful attempt to set a new steam car speed record of 148mph in 2009. But he had other ideas forming…
Realising that electric vehicles have the same phenomenal, instant torque characteristics as steam cars – but without the rather inconvenient need for a boiler, a water supply and a condenser – David turned his mind to starting an electric vehicle business.
But not without first taking a good hard look at vodka – specifically Grey Goose vodka and its founder, Sidney Frank. Frank, like David, started a new business after he had ‘retired’. Frank conceived Grey Goose at the age of 78, creating a product with a distinct identity, and sold it in 2004 for $2bn and becoming a great philanthropist.
I admire Sidney Frank’s attitude to business – a clear vision and an innovative approach to create and dominate a niche. The new enabling technologies and changing attitudes in how people want to enjoy mobility open up that niche. My aim is to build such a company, offering distinctive products and creating jobs. And having fun of course.