The first entity was the partnership between John Britten and Desmond Norman that operated as Britten-Norman Aircraft and was the first to use the B-N logo. Two subsequent companies were formed, Britten-Norman Limited and Crop Culture (Aerial) Limited both owned by John, Des and Frank Mann, later Jim McMahon came in as an equal partner. I think B-N was formed first, possibly owned by just John and Des. B-N converted Tiger Moths to use the McMahon Hopper (designed by Jim, prototype built by him at the Herts & Essex club where he was instructing. It replaced the front cockpit although someone could travel in a seat inside the Hopper!).

Des Norman purchased the aircraft as a company hack. The pilot on the fateful flight had either lost or never had his instrument rating and was supposed to be flying VFR and the supposition in the company was that he got into cloud and became disorientated.