About Us
Your Drone Partner
Our Mission
Transforming client potential through cutting-edge drone technology
With 17 years of experience in the drone industry, we've observed an exponential increase in the availability of diverse hardware and software solutions. Keeping up with this rapid evolution is increasingly challenging when combined with regulatory compliance. To facilitate your adaptation to these changes, heliguy™ has established the necessary infrastructure to expedite your adoption.
Welcome To The Triangle
Three buildings, one drone specialist. The Triangle is the place we call home: An innovation hub, housing our core service offerings and 35+ staff across 9,000 square feet of office space.
Two Decades Of Experience
Established 2006
'Deep Roots', evolving into the drone sector from 'Toy Town UP'; rather than 'Military DOWN'.
heliguy™ is the online retail brand presence of the company Colena Ltd, which started life as an RC Helicopter specialist in Northumberland, UK.
At heliguy™, we have always been focused on specialisation with a higher level of support than the industry average. We were unknowingly a part of this sector back in 2006 when we built large RC helicopters capable of computerised autonomous flight.
We evolved the business, expanding the technical and training teams to build more units and to train people in what we already knew, giving them a head start in the evolving services sector.
One Of The First Drone Training Providers
Established 2015
In 2015, heliguy™ became one of the UK's first drone training NQEs, moving into a sector previously dominated by one company.
Since then, we have established ourselves as a leading drone industry training provider, and our instructors and regulatory specialists have taught 7,000+ candidates.
Our team has adapted to industry changes, running PfAW and PfCO courses before transitioning to an RAE in 2020 to teach the A2 CofC and GVC.
We deliver online training, as well as face-to-face instructor-led provision.
Our dedicated training offering extends to industry-specific tuition - such as aerial surveying, industrial inspection and public safety - as well as Continuing Professional Development (CPD) courses, and Ofqual-regulated accredited training.
Counter-UAS
Established 2018
heliguy™ launched the Counter-UAS division in 2018, embracing the growing demand for drone-defence.
We provide solutions to major UK airports, including Gatwick, and Bristol; the emergency services and military, including the MET Police and MOD; sporting events, such as the British Grand Prix and the Royal Box at Royal Ascot; and have partnered with BT as part of its C-UAS programme.
Our C-UAS provision is centered on DJI AeroScope - endorsed by the UK’s Centre for the Protection of National Infrastructure.
We are the only DJI AeroScope partner with the permission to supply globally and offer fixed and portable solutions, and rental units to allow for surge capability.
Our AeroScope provision includes 24/7 support with a specialist team consisting of technicians and account managers.
We are partners with key players in airspace safety and protection to provide layered, tailored, and multi-sensor drone-defence solutions.
In-house Drone Surveying Department
Established 2019
Drone surveying is a rapidly growing sector within the drone industry.
Recognising this, we started and expanded a dedicated in-house geospatial department.
We've built a team of surveying specialists, recruiting graduates from Newcastle University's renowned GIS department and bringing in professionals with previous real-world surveying experience.
The department provides tailored advice to help drone programmes start and scale their drone surveying enterprise.
This includes hardware and software consultancy, support and supply; photogrammetry and LiDAR training; data-processing assistance; and in-the-field face-to-face tuition on active job sites to help clients collect real-world data.
We've also partnered with leading survey companies to deliver a seamless end-to-end workflow, including Emlid GNSS receivers, XGRIDS' handheld laser scanners, and third-party software providers.
Global Logistics
Transborder capabilities
Global companies with global locations require partners that can deliver on both continents or countries simultaneously.
We help you spot the opportunities to level up and standardise between locations ensuring the safest possible standards exist in your company regardless of location.
heliguy™'s logistics network facilitates these transborder operations.
We also have export licences to facilitate deliveries outside of the UK on dual-use products to EU Member States, plus Norway, Switzerland, USA, Canada, Japan, Australia and New Zealand, and an export control fast-track process for the Rest of the World. A growing problem in the sector is ensuring safe and swift delivery around the globe. Managing the delivery is becoming more acute as lithium ion power restrictions limit the delivery options available.
Combined with strict requirements, certifications and documentations for locations in the Middle East and Africa, it's important to partner with a company with experience and the knowledge to enable your delivery.
Meet Your Sales Team
Expert advice, consultancy, and sales support
Head of Operations
Michael Smith
Michael entered the drone industry in 2018 when he joined heliguy™. He started as a sales executive and has progressed through several positions, including Head of Sales, before moving into Operations. Before joining heliguy™, Michael worked in hospitality management, holding positions of Restaurant Manager and General Manager.
Assistant Operations Manager
Kevin Morton
Kevin is an accredited DJI Dock engineer and software integration specialist. He is an official DJI AeroScope technician - completing the training at DJI HQ in China - and has installed C-UAS solutions around the world. A technical specialist and keen drone pilot, Kevin previously headed the heliguy™ repair centre and has logged 350+ flight hours. He joined heliguy™ in 2015.
Business Development Manager
Ruairi Hardman
Utilising his 12+ years of experience in the UAS industry, Ruairi fosters long-term business relations to guide global organisations through the establishment and scaling of their drone programmes. As an accredited DJI Solutions engineer, he relentlessly pursues enhanced workflows to solve customer pain points. Ruairi is a GVC drone pilot and has logged 400+ flight hours on fixed-wing and rotary aircraft.
Meet Your Geospatial Team
End-to-end surveying support
heliguy™ Geospatial Lead
Richard Dunlop
Richard delivers survey training and consultancy and helps clients collect real-world data to accelerate drone adoption. He has developed online training courses and was guest speaker at Digital Construction Week. He has a BSc (Hons) in Surveying and Mapping Science from Newcastle University, and has vast experience in geomatics land surveying.
Geospatial Specialist
Matt Sharples
Geospatial Specialist Matt delivers comprehensive survey support. He has substantial experience as a land surveyor and setting out engineer. Before joining heliguy™, he managed a range of projects, including topographic and bathymetric surveys, setting out works, and laser scanning, and led large-scale earthworks and remediation operations.
Technical Geospatial Specialist
Alex Williams
Alex provides drone programmes with technical support on LiDAR and photogrammetry, and guidance on GNSS principles and modelling software. He has an MSc in Geographic Information Systems from the University of Leeds and a BSc in Geology and Environmental Hazards from the University of Derby. Alex previously worked in infrastructure planning.
Meet Your Training Instructors
Learn from a team of experienced instructors - including ex-Armed Forces personnel - who have taught 7,000+ candidates
Accountable Manager
Mark Blaney
Mark has worked with drones since 2008, logging 2,000+ flying hours with fixed-wing and multirotor aircraft. He is a former British Army UAV Operator, having deployed the Hermes 450 tactical fixed-wing in Afghanistan. He also assisted MAT Kosovo to use drones for mine clearance, and worked on drone programmes with government departments in Hong Kong.
Head of Training
Jack Sharp
Jack has seven years of drone pilot experience, logging 400+ flight hours. A talented drone photographer, his work has been featured by the BBC, Forestry England and Mountain Warehouse. Jack has a vast training background, with previous roles in the NHS forensic section and at HM Prison Service.
Business Regulatory Training Specialist
Graham Hegarty
Graham amassed 10,000 flying hours during an 18-year career in manned aviation, including captaining the world's largest twinjet, the Boeing 777. He is also a former member of the British Army Reserve. Graham utilises his core airmanship skills to provide heliguy™ clients with drone law support and works with organisations to develop safety cases for advanced UAS missions, including BVLOS.
Meet Your In-house Crash Support Team
DJI-trained technicians who have conducted 6,500+ repairs
Head of Technical
Andrew Blake
Andrew is Head of Technical at the heliguy™ in-house repair centre. He is the primary service technician, conducting sensor calibrations and test flights. He also specialises in DJI Enterprise repairs, including the DJI Matrice Series. He has Level 3 qualifications in vehicle maintenance and product design and has mechanical and auto-parts experience.
Drone Technician
Jack Hall
Jack is a primary repair and service technician and offers technical support to customers. Jack joined heliguy™ in 2022 with more than 4 years of experience as a mechanical auto-repair technician and Level 3 qualifications in light vehicle mechanics and engineering. He previously worked for an ISO 17025 Accredited Calibration Laboratory and has expertise in mechanical and electrical engineering.
Drone Technician / Logistics
Kieran Browell
Kieran oversees technnical logistics and is repair liaison consultant with DJI’s Repair Centre in The Netherlands, handling overseas shipping to streamline the process of direct repairs with the manufacturer. He is also developing his skillset in electronic and mechanical engineering. Before joining heliguy™, Kieran looked after logistics as Duty Store Manager for Iceland.
Meet Your Logistics Team
Logistics specialists, facilitating next-day delivery and global shipping
Warehouse Logistics Manager
Andy Chambers
Andy, our logistics manager of seven years, is fundamental to keeping heliguy™ running smoothly. He oversees goods moving in and out of the warehouse, creates invoices, sets up payments, and distributes shipping quotes. He handles international shipping and dangerous goods.
Warehouse Operative
Michael Maholem
Michael, our warehouse operative, has been with heliguy™ for five years and has 35 years of experience working in warehouses and stock rooms. Michael excels in utilising systems and space efficiently, ensuring smooth and effective operations, and assists in global logistics.
Meet Your Digital Marketing Team
Educating the drone sector with industry-leading digital content
Head of Digital Content
James Willoughby
James joined heliguy™ in 2018 following a 13-year stint in print and online journalism, having worked on regional and weekly newspaper titles. He is responsible for spearheading heliguy™'s content strategy and social media delivery. James collaborates with DJI Enterprise's European marketing team to coordinate and produce case studies and helps organise events and webinars.
Marketing & Content Specialist
Jamie Collier
Jamie, our marketing and content specialist, shapes heliguy™’s online presence by creating engaging social media posts and blog content. She highlights drone features and practical applications across industries and collaborates on case studies showcasing drones' efficiency. Jamie also assists in managing the product portfolio and writes releases and comparisons. Her previous writing experience includes roles at HMRC.
Why you should buy from heliguy™?
Comprehensive, lifetime assistance to help you start and scale your operations.
Streamlined Delivery
Free Next Day Shipping Over £99 and 50-Day Free Returns on Faulty Items.
Trusted UK Partner
20 years in UAVs, expertise in repairs, servicing, training, and insurance.
UK Support
In-country technical support line staffed by four trained technicians.
