Chapter 586: Let the Storm of Fundraising Sweep Across Britain!
Elvis left Birmingham utterly satisfied.
It hadn't taken much effort for him to learn that the city council was actively discussing plans to construct gas streetlights. The project was reportedly close to being finalized, with an estimated total budget of £200,000.
As he wandered around Birmingham, he saw numerous streetlight poles already erected across the city. Clearly, Flash Company was confident about securing the project, so much so that they had begun preliminary construction.
What Elvis didn't know was that two months ago, Carona had bribed several council members in Birmingham, Manchester, and other cities to propose gas streetlight projects during council meetings.
Proposing a motion required no accountability and could even boost a council member's reputation for "promoting urban development." Whether the proposal ultimately passed was irrelevant to Carona. All he needed was for councils to drag out their debates, making people aware of the potential project.
As for the streetlight poles, they were installed for free by Flash Company. Erecting a few poles was a minor expense, mostly covered by subcontractors.
Elvis also learned through his network that the French ambassador to Britain had confirmed that the city of Lille might award its gas streetlight project to Flash Company.
In his mind, Elvis already envisioned Flash Company dominating Britain's gas streetlight industry, its business stretching across the Channel to Europe, becoming an unstoppable force.
When Elvis returned to London, he wasted no time. Accompanied by his "future brother-in-law," he visited Mr. Goldsmith and purchased £40,000 worth of Flash Company bonds.
However, despite his earlier promise to keep the matter confidential, Elvis quickly shared the news with his cousin.
The cousin, after hearing the details, bought £30,000 worth of bonds and eagerly passed the information to a few business partners.
One by one, large sums of money poured in. Goldsmith, overwhelmed by the influx of funds, was nearly numb from signing subscription agreements.
In just over ten days, nearly £600,000 had flowed into Flash Company's accounts.
This staggering sum was temporarily held in the Mercantile Credit Bank, more than doubling the bank's previous peak deposits.
Goldsmith couldn't help but marvel at his decision to side with the French Prince early on—it had undoubtedly been the right choice.
Meanwhile, at Flash Company's "Strategic Partner Conference,"
Steller, following the prince's "script," was passionately outlining a vision of prosperity to subcontractors:
"As many of you know, the company is on the verge of securing agreements to build gas streetlights in Birmingham, Liverpool, and five other cities.
"In Lille and Florence, we've also triumphed over our competitors and are laying gas pipelines!
"You can already calculate the scale of these massive projects!
"And all of you here are vital participants in these groundbreaking endeavors.
"Together with Flash Company, you will create a legacy of historic achievement!"
The directors and managers of dozens of subcontractors stood up, clapping vigorously with expressions of excitement.
Steller continued, "Of course, such large-scale projects require significant upfront investments.
"We hope our closest partners can face this challenge with us—investing together now to reap incredible profits later!
"Here's the detailed project arrangement…"
When Steller finished his presentation, the subcontractors exchanged uneasy glances. The upfront costs were indeed steep. For example, producing enough copper pipes alone required over £130,000, and Flash Company wanted them to foot the bill.
A short, stout man voiced his concern:
"Mr. Steller, while we're eager to support Flash Company, we simply don't have the funds for such a large investment."
Another attendee chimed in, "Exactly! We're talking at least £20,000 here. That's an enormous sum!"
"We've only received one payment this year for completed work. It's impossible to continue without more resources…"
Steller raised his hand, signaling for silence.
"The gas streetlights in London will be completed by the end of the year. Once we receive the project payment, we'll distribute it to everyone immediately.
"I ask for your patience—just two or three more months.
"As for funding, you can take out loans or issue bonds. Everyone in Britain knows about the bright future of our gas streetlight projects. As participants, you'll find it easy to secure financing."
When the meeting concluded, the subcontractors scrambled to raise funds, using various channels to borrow money. In the process, they also promoted the gas streetlight projects even further.
Simultaneously, sales of household gas lamps skyrocketed.
When word spread that gas lamp prices would continue rising, Londoners launched a buying frenzy.
Over the next month, the city saw over 11,000 gas lamps sold.
To put that in perspective, £8 was no small amount for the average person. A tailor earned about £15 annually, and a private tutor for the nobility considered £30 a high salary.
With London's population of just over 800,000, almost everyone who could afford it bought a gas lamp.
Meanwhile, rumors of gas streetlight projects spread to Birmingham, Manchester, and other cities, sparking interest in household gas lamps there as well. Though these cities lacked London's purchasing power, they still managed to sell 300–500 lamps per month.
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