News: Coptrz to train next gen pilots

Rotherham-based Coptrz, the world's only provider of continuous training for drone pilots, is set to create jobs for the future after receiving a Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) accreditation.

Specialising in commercial drones, the firm is a division of high-flying Manvers company, Martek Marine, one of the world leaders in the supply of safety and environmental monitoring systems for the shipping industry.

Coptrz has been awarded National Qualified Entity (NQE) status, and can now deliver CAA-approved training to potential commercial drone pilots. The programme incorporates a practical and theory test – and Coptrz is planning to train 1,000 pilots this year to meet growing demand across different sectors.

To qualify for NQE status, Coptrz had to undergo a rigorous assessment process, which included a detailed scrutiny of the course content and a live presentation of it to CAA officials. Only drone pilots with a CAA-certified qualification are eligible for a drone licence – the Permission for Commercial Operations (PfCO) – that allows them to work as professional pilots.

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Steve Coulson, managing director Coptrz, said: "Automation means that many jobs are disappearing but being a drone pilot is a job of the future sector where drones aren't being used, from the emergency services to agriculture to engineering. Drones are helping to find bodies in collapsed buildings, identifying crops which aren't growing properly and spraying them, and also radically changing the film industry – there are just so many different scenarios."

As well as offering drone training, Coptrz also runs courses aimed at helping drone pilots develop their businesses.

"We believe that one certificate doesn't set you up to be a drone pilot," explains Coulson.

"That's why we also offer training on all aspects of running a business: marketing, pricing strategy, making money from drones, and using specific software packages and specific jobs - such as surveying, 3D mapping, or using a drone to inspect the inside of a tank or a cellular tower.

"Drones are a hugely exciting area with endless possibilities. Now we have our accreditation, we're looking to train 1,000 drone pilots in 2017 and have added new training dates in anticipation of great demand."

Since it began trading in May last year, Coptrz has created seven new jobs in Rotherham, and is looking to double that number in the coming months with new roles in sales, customer service, technical and training.

Having already turned over around £1m, Coulson added that he is expecting further growth as the market booms. He said: "The commercial drone market will be worth $127 billion worldwide by 2020. We're fully confident that we can outperform the market and we expect to be in the Sunday Times Virgin Fast Track 100 in three years' time."

Coptrz website
Martek Marine website

Images: Coptrz

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News: Coptrz set to take off

Innovative Rotherham company, Martek Marine, is flying high, establishing a new division specialising in commercial drones.

Based at Manvers, Martek is one of the world leaders in the supply of safety and environmental monitoring systems for the shipping industry. It has expanded into different areas including the medical sector, supplying defibrillators to airlines and leisure and sport venues.

Having secured a start-up funding package worth £250,000 from HSBC, the group has now established Coptrz with the aim of revolutionising business using drones.

Drones, or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), are becoming incredibly useful tools for marine and offshore companies with Martek supplying marine-specific drones that are developed to fly inside confined spaces and outdoors, making them ideal for safety inspections on tanks as well as offshore structures such as wind turbines and flare stacks.

The company spotted a gap in the market for commercial drones which could be used in a variety of sectors and industries throughout the world, including marine and emergency services.

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The funding has enabled Coptrz to invest in the manufacturing and marketing of its products and to focus on increasing its exports into Europe, as well as consolidating its market share in the UK.

The business is expected to increase turnover to a projected £1.7m in its first year, rising to £5m the following year.

In addition, the funding package has facilitated the recruitment of two new members of staff who have joined the existing Coptrz team at its Rotherham headquarters to ensure the business keeps up with increasing demand for its products across the globe.

Steve Coulson, director at Martek Marine Ltd, said: "After extensive research, we have identified the significant potential for growth in this market.

"The funding package from HSBC has been instrumental in ensuring Coptrz has a solid start. The bank's support and international reach has also allowed us to begin implementing our export strategy and to recruit the talent we need to make Coptrz a successful part of the wider Martek Marine business."

Mike Swift, area director for West and South Yorkshire at HSBC, added: "We have worked with Coptrz from the beginning and it is an excellent example of a UK business having both innovative products and an export-led growth strategy.

"The finance package has supported the business in pushing forward into different international markets such as Germany, USA and the Far-East by assisting with its international travel and direct sales costs. We look forward to seeing their business thrive."

Coptrz website
Martek Marine website

Images: Martek Marine

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