Yes, HP even had a backend mock up built for the Herald ramp assembly and were using his RR as a loading demo, The article I read he was given the option, join the consortium or get no more contracts from UK PLC, he chose the latter and the inferior Andover won.
and lets face it, someone saw legs in the idea.
Antonov An-26
Shame MB couldn't rent a site at Hullavington off Dyson as he wants to keep the airfield open and build his excellence centre while retaining parts of the old camp.