The sale certainly had an immediate effect n the company’s workforce when the outgoing chief executive, Vivian Imerman, said that he will pay the 600 employees bonuses equivalent to three months’ salary from his own pocket.

As Imerman and his co-owner Robert Tchenguiz are reckoned to have made a 197.5% return on their deal, a mere £26m is small price to thank the staff who made it possible.

Mallya told The Times: ‘The potential for premium Scotch whisky in India is enormous.’ As the cost of spirits in India is enormous, the market needs to be enormous.  

A £10 bottle of Whyte & MacKay could end up costing UB £25 to get it into its own country. The Indian government also charges high levels of tax on spirits which can swell export costs to as much as 500%.

Mallya is also intent on having a say in the ECBS, according to Vincent. ‘Mallya is a larger than life figure who calls himself King of the Good Times, said Vincent. ‘The Earls Court Boat Show has a new and very powerful supporter.’

The UB boss is a boating enthusiast, although his main vessel perhaps lies outside the normal sphere of ‘boating’. She is the 95m Indian Empress, designed and built by Oceanco in The Netherlands.

● Following up on the ECBS promise last week to update its New Product Showcase every week, yesterday saw the release of details of the MiniCat.

‘This mini catamaran is a really fun product to have at the show as it fits in a bag and offers true affordability and portability,’ said James Brooke, managing director, Earls Court Boat Show.

● Pearl Motor Yachts will be exhibiting its Pearl 50 and Pearl 60 models at the Earls Court Boat Show. ‘As a British manufacturer we are delighted to be exhibiting at Earls Court in December,’ said MD Iain Smallridge. ‘The central London location is well positioned to attract the crowds, allowing us to showcase our product to best effect.’