Drones take flight at Howbery Business Park

A former front-line military helicopter instructor has launched a unique family run business at Howbery Business Park, near Wallingford, offering a range of certified commercial drone licensing courses in addition to aerial filming, photography and retail services, with high profile contracts already secured with the BBC and ITV.

Matt Williams and his wife Natalie have established Aerial Motion Pictures Ltd, the UK’s first company providing the theoretical and practical knowledge needed for full Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) Commercial UAV Certification from the same location, thanks to Howbery Business Park.

Matt Williams, Managing Director, Aerial Motion Picture Ltd, explains: “As a real pilot, our ethos is one whereby we wish to improve flight safety through education. Being able to offer flying experience from Howbery really sets us aside from competitors who effectively outsource this element of training. It means somebody can go from having no experience to becoming a fully qualified, competent and safe Commercial UAV Operator in just three days.”

In addition to instructor courses, Aerial Motion Pictures is currently working with companies such as ITV on flagship dramas, which can’t be named due to confidentiality agreements.

Matt Williams continues: “We have three strands within the business:
training and provision of commercial licensing courses, operations such as aerial filming and surveying, and retail of UAVs, commonly referred to as drones, to consumers as well as businesses. We anticipate all three strands of the business to take off due to increasing market demand.”

Aerial Motion Pictures has set-up shop in a 600 sq. ft. office at Howbery Business Park and makes full use of on site conference facilities for its training courses in addition to the secure external area reserved for flying experience.

The company is currently in the process of recruiting instructors and admin staff with the aim of becoming a seven strong team by Christmas 2015 and have already acquired additional offices on site.

Angela Andrews, Lettings & Marketing Manager, Howbery Business Park, said: “We are delighted to accommodate such an interesting business at the park and have worked closely with our legal team to ensure Matt and Natalie are able to offer safe flying experiences to their customers. We look forward to following the progress of their business and helping with expansion plans later this year.”

Aerial Motion Pictures sell a variety of drones from UK and international manufacturers starting from £500 and ranging up to £30,000. Commercial licensing courses can take as little as three days and start from £1,500. For further information, visit: aerialmotionpictures.co.uk

Howbery Business Park, owned by HR Wallingford, has a diverse range of businesses on site with major occupiers including GTI Media and the Environment Agency. The park has planning permission to create 70,000 sq. ft. of new office space.