As the UK becomes a hub for aerial technology, consider a career in drone technology

From fighting in war zones to surveying the carnage of Los Angeles fires, drones have made headlines.

But did you know that the UK is emerging as a world leader in aerospace technology?

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The UK drone market generated around £94.66 million in 2023 but is expected to reach £1.5 billion by 2031.

Drones are currently used for a range of tasks including surveying buildings, decommissioning nuclear facilities, inspecting dangerous structures, and conducting emergency searches.

Royal Mail is also trialling drone delivery in remote areas.

While 84 per cent of drone startups have fewer than 50 employees, Drone Industry Insights analysts said: “The UK drone market is among the highest in the world, with significant potential for growth.

“The UK economy as a whole provides a unique opportunity for the drone industry to flourish, and there have been significant developments in the use of drones in recent years, particularly in healthcare and delivery.”

Currently, the majority of UK companies are drone service providers – offering specialist services such as aerial photography, mapping, surveying and inspection.

However, an increasing number of hardware and software manufacturers are being created, providing a rapidly increasing number of functions.

Wales-based Tekever recently unveiled the first fully-produced drone in the UK, doubling its workforce over the past year.

Its clients include the Home Office, the Ministry of Defense and the RAF, with its AI-powered drones used to detect threats to human life and the environment, such as illegal fishing, oil spills, vulnerable ships and bushfires.

Drones are also deployed in Ukraine for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance purposes.

In addition to drone pilot roles, the sector offers openings in operations, engineering, software development, manufacturing and support.

“We are growing rapidly and developing groundbreaking technology that addresses some of the most complex geopolitical, economic and environmental challenges faced by governments, militaries and private organizations,” said Ricardo Mendez, CEO of Tekever. “However, our success depends on the exceptional individuals behind this technology.”

“Our employees tend to stay with us for the long term, not only because our work is impactful, but also because we are committed to supporting their professional development.”

Graham Brown, chair of drone industry body ARPAS-UK, added: “Drones are faster, cheaper, safer and more environmentally friendly than other solutions for the same job.

“We want businesses, as well as the general public, to understand the tremendous benefit of drones and understand that there will be positive adoption over the coming years.”

• Search for drone jobs at arpas.uk/tag/drone-jobs; tekever.com/careers; dronedesk.io/drone-industry-jobs.

Be prepared for Blue Monday

Next week sees Blue Monday, which has been dubbed the most depressing day of the year.

But there is no need to feel frustrated at work.

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“Companies that prioritize employee well-being and engagement not only see a stronger bottom line but also build a motivated, loyal and better-equipped workforce,” says Lord Mark Price, founder of workplace happiness consultancy WorkL and author of Happy Economics: Why the Happiest Workplaces Are the Most Successful. Better to meet future challenges.

Here, he shares his top tips for creating joy in the workplace. . .

1. Job satisfaction: There are two things that drive job satisfaction beyond enjoying what you do: your relationship with your line manager, and whether your career is being developed in a positive way. Work on both to feel better.

2. Feeling proud: People need to understand how important their role is in achieving the organization’s goal. Employees who take pride in their workplace are also their organization’s best publicity.

3. Reward and recognition: Pay should meet expectations but genuine recognition given regularly for a job well done can mean more and also be a more consistent driver of performance.

4. Empowerment: Managers must stop interfering. Trust your teams to find the best solutions without constant input from executives or senior staff. Bosses should focus on coaching teams to best use their individual experience and skills, but should be there to provide support if necessary.

5. Luxury: Emotional, physical and financial well-being are all vital. There are a plethora of initiatives companies can implement, but at the heart of everything should be employees’ belief that you truly care about them.

7. Exchange of information: Hiding information makes employees feel marginalized and suspicious. Employees need a real overview of what’s going on in their area and elsewhere.

8. Flexibility: Not everyone can work from home, but for those who can, reducing travel time in order to support a better work-life balance and save money is a big driver of happiness in the workplace. Notably, women are almost twice as likely as men to say that flexibility is essential to their job satisfaction.

How does home help?

Working from home helps build stronger communities, according to a new study.

The effect is stronger in urban areas, where 44 percent of residents say neighborhood relations are better.

Overall, Cardiff is the most neighboring city in the UK, followed by Edinburgh and Nottingham.

Sarah Khan, chair of Churchill Home Insurance, which commissioned the study, said: “Two-fifths of workers work partly or fully from home, so it’s great to see that this has helped strengthen relationships with neighbors and an added sense of security.

“These relationships can play a vital role in building safe and supportive communities.

“From monitoring your home, picking up your packages, to offering a helping hand in emergency situations, it’s great to have someone close by, or someone you can quickly call when needed.”

It’s starting day

Today is Founder’s Friday, the most popular day of the year for people to start their own companies.

To help aspiring business owners, Sir Richard Branson and social media star Simon Squibb have launched the Elevator Of Dreams project at Virgin Hotels London in Shoreditch.

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The bizarre idea is that entrepreneurs pitch their ideas via video doorbell, and then the recording is uploaded to the HelpBnk platform for a global investor audience to view.

Research shows that one in nine workers wants to start their own company, and this number rises to a quarter for those aged 18 to 24 years.

Sir Richard said: “There are more people than ever thinking about starting their own business. There’s never been a better time to try it. I can’t wait to see which founders come to us and pitch us their ideas in the coming weeks.”

For more information visit Elevatorofdreams.com.