Training & Regulations
How to Start a Drone Business
Join the multi-billion-pound UK drone industry using Heliguy's step-by-step guide.
Now is the ideal time to start a drone business in the UK— with government support, BVLOS advancements, and industry growth accelerating nationwide.
Learn about low start-up costs and flexible launch options, including sub-250g drones and rental plans, making it easier than ever to begin a drone videography business or offer commercial inspection services.
Discover how to stay compliant with UK drone laws and the importance of securing drone business insurance to safeguard your operations, clients, and equipment.
Explore how Heliguy offers end-to-end support, including training, hardware, and business advice — plus actionable tips on how to advertise drone business services for stronger visibility and growth.
Find inspiration in new niche opportunities, including a guide on how to start a drone show business, and learn how to scale your venture with Heliguy’s four-step business plan.
If you’re thinking about starting a drone business, there’s no better time to enter the market.
The UK drone industry is thriving, and with the right knowledge and tools, you can build a successful venture tailored to your sector — whether it’s inspections, mapping, or a drone videography business.
This blog walks you through how to get started — from choosing the right equipment to understanding regulations, securing drone business insurance, and even exploring exciting niches like how to start a drone show business.
Follow these steps to establish your own drone business
Use our advice to take full advantage of the diverse applications of drones across areas such as inspections, filming, surveying, farming, public safety, and beyond.
Understand the growing market
In March 2024, the UK Government and Future of Flight Industry Group launched the UK Future of Flight Action Plan — a major milestone in scaling the national drone business UK ecosystem.
This strategic initiative aims to position the UK as a global leader in the drone industry by 2030. With plans to invest in drone businesses to achieve this goal, PwC estimates that these advancements could generate annual economic benefits of up to £2 billion by 2040.
The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is putting into motion plans to modernise UK airspace by allowing BVLOS drone missions to be an everyday practice across the industry.
The CAA are currently working with top industry players to collect crucial safety data on drone detection, avoidance, and communication with other aircraft and air traffic control. These projects include:
Amazon Prime Air: Drone deliveries.
Airspection: Offshore wind farm inspections.
NPAS: Policing with uncrewed aircraft.
NATS: BVLOS inspections over the North Sea.
Project SATE: Flights to Orkney.
Project Lifeline: Medical deliveries.
Additionally, the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) has introduced a new permit that enables farmers to apply for permission to conduct targeted pesticide spraying using spraying drones.
In June 2024, the first permit was issued for spreading slug pellets with drones, marking a significant step toward integrating drones as everyday tools for this industry.
To ensure safe drone spraying practices, the HSE is collaborating with drone operators in the agriculture sector to develop a comprehensive understanding of the associated risks.
Utilise your knowledge of UK drone laws
Understanding drone laws and staying informed about any changes is essential to avoid breaking regulations, preventing fines, upholding good practices, and maintaining a trustworthy reputation.
While this may seem intimidating, it’s pretty straightforward: with the proper support and information, understanding drone laws mainly (but not limited to) involves knowing the flying categories, determining where your drone fits within this framework, and ensuring compliance.
One of the key advantages of starting a drone business in the UK is the supportive regulatory environment. For example, you can commercially fly the DJI Mini 4 without extensive drone training, making it easier for newcomers to enter the industry and start offering services immediately.
For more information on this topic, read our easy-to-follow Drone Laws blog to learn more about UK drone laws and regulations.
Take advantage of new technology to streamline your operations
Streamline data capture and save time with mini drones’ advanced automated flight features.
Mission planning is easier than ever; with improved camera quality, obstacle sensing, and intuitive flight capabilities, you can schedule stops and choose from a vast range of shooting modes.
Such versatility allows you to capture content, inspect buildings, or monitor events with ease – the possibilities are endless. For example, rather than using a cherry picker for inspections, a drone can quickly fly up to gather data and maintain an accurate log to help track wear and tear over the years.
This approach is not only more efficient but also more sustainable. Additionally, drones can shoot high-quality cinematography and capture perfect shots without bulky equipment.
Keep your start-up costs Low
Grow your fleet either through purchase or rental with heliguy™
Starting a drone business typically requires a smaller investment than many traditional ventures, with high-quality 4K camera drones, such as the DJI Mini 4, available for under £1000, enabling you to provide professional-grade services without a hefty initial investment.
Or use heliguy™'s rental service, significantly lowering the initial capital required to get started; this flexibility allows you to explore various markets and services without substantial financial risk.
Find the sector which suits you best
With so many sectors to explore, you can tailor your drone business to your interests and expertise.
One of the advantages of the drone industry is that there are multiple applications a wide range of sectors, including:
Photography & videography
One of the largest shares of the commercial drone industry, capture stunning aerial shots for cinematography, filming events, shooting content, real estate, and marketing campaigns.
Best drones:
DJI Mavic 4 Pro: A triple-camera drone with an infinity gimbal for professional-quality footage and creative shooting angles.
DJI Mini 5 Pro: A lightweight mini drone with a 1-inch CMOS sensor for high-quality imaging in a compact frame.
DJI Mini 4 Pro: Combines portability and performance with a 1/1.3-inch sensor and advanced obstacle sensing.
DJI Air 3S: A dual-camera drone offering wide and medium-telephoto options with long flight time and full safety features.
DJI Mavic 3 Pro Cine: A professional triple-camera system supporting Apple ProRes and built-in 1TB SSD for premium filmmaking.
DJI Avata 2: An FPV drone delivering smooth, immersive 4K video and agile flight control with DJI Goggles 3.
Surveying & mapping
Drones offer precise land surveys and topographic mapping to create 2D maps, 3D models, and perform volume calculations.
This technology supports industries such as construction, forestry, mining, urban planning, and public safety.
Most suitable drones:
DJI Mini 5 Pro: A mini drone with a 1-inch CMOS sensor, 48MP stills, and up to 34 minutes of flight time.
DJI Mini 4 Pro: Lightweight 249g drone with a 1/1.3-inch sensor, 10-bit D-Log M colour, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.
DJI Matrice 4E: Enterprise drone with a four-module payload, advanced zoom and mapping cameras, AI recognition, and precise 3D capture for detailed inspection and surveying tasks.
DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise: Features a 4/3 CMOS sensor, 20MP camera, mechanical shutter, and RTK module for centimetre-level accuracy.
DJI Matrice 350 RTK: Heavy-duty aircraft with 55-minute flight time, triple payload support, and centimetre-level RTK precision.
Building inspections:
Drones have become a great tool for building & infrastructure inspections, collecting highly-accurate data without needing to have people working at height - saving time and money in the process.
Ideal drones:
DJI Mini 5 Pro: Compact drone with a 1-inch CMOS sensor and forward-facing LiDAR for 360° obstacle detection.
DJI Mini 4 Pro: Lightweight sub-249g drone with a 1/1.3-inch sensor and omnidirectional obstacle sensing for safe, high-quality building assessments.
DJI Matrice 4E: Enterprise drone with four-module payload, advanced zoom, and mapping capabilities for accurate 3D capture and inspections.
DJI Matrice 4T: Enterprise drone with six-module payload, thermal and zoom cameras, AI recognition, and advanced obstacle sensing for complex inspections.
DJI Mavic 3 Thermal: Portable thermal drone with 48MP visual and 640x512 thermal sensors for quick and efficient fault detection.
DJI Matrice 4D: Portable thermal drone with 48MP visual and 640x512 thermal sensors for quick and efficient fault detection, compatible with the Dock 3.
DJI Matrice 4TD: Dual-sensor drone with thermal and RGB cameras, compatible with Dock 3 for automated or manual inspection missions.
DJI Dock 3: Drone-in-a-box system which supports vehicle-mounted deployment the Matrice 4D Series, enabling mobile or fixed operations with dual-drone rotation and FlightHub 2 integration.
Commercial inspections:
Utilise drones and their sophisticated sensors to provide inspections of bridges, telecommunication towers, wind turbines, powerlines, pipelines, and even solar panels.
Drones enhance the accuracy and efficiency of your inspections whilst reducing manual labour and risk to workers.
Recommended drones:
DJI Mini 5 Pro: Compact inspection drone with a 1-inch CMOS sensor and built-in LiDAR for precise obstacle detection and detailed close-range mapping.
DJI Mini 4 Pro: Sub-249g drone with a 1/1.3-inch sensor, omnidirectional obstacle sensing, and 20km transmission for safe, high-quality imaging.
DJI Matrice 350 RTK: Enterprise platform offering 55-minute flight time, centimetre-level RTK accuracy, and multiple payload options for industrial inspections.
DJI Dock 2: Automated drone-in-a-box system supporting the Matrice 3D and 3TD for remote, scheduled inspection workflows.
DJI Matrice 4D: High-performance inspection and mapping drone with a triple-camera system, mechanical shutter, laser range finder, and up to 54 minutes of flight time, operable independently or via the Dock 3
DJI Matrice 4TD: Dual-sensor drone with thermal and RGB cameras, laser range finder, and up to 50 minutes of flight time, operable independently or via the Dock 3.
DJI Dock 3: First-ever vehicle-mounted dock, compatible with the Matrice 4D Series, enabling dual-drone rotation, mobile or fixed deployments, and all-weather operation with FlightHub 2 integration.
Agriculture:
Drones have become an essential tool in agriculture, assisting with tasks like crop inspection, livestock management, and seed spreading.
Drones provide advanced aerial data collection, drones help farmers efficiently monitor crops and manage livestock.
Best drones:
DJI Mavic 3 Multispectral: Compact drone with multispectral and RGB sensors for crop health analysis and precision agriculture mapping.
DJI Agras T25: Spraying and spreading drone with 20kg tank capacity, dual-atomisation nozzles, and terrain-following radar.
DJI Agras T50: High-capacity spraying and spreading drone with 50kg payload, dual radar systems, and real-time mapping for large-scale agricultural operations.
Public safety:
Drones are widely used in the Emergency Services sector, where they play a crucial role in saving lives.
By assisting responders in search and rescue missions, drones help increase speed and accuracy, making operations more efficient and effective.
Most suitable drones:
DJI Matrice 4T: Enterprise drone with thermal, zoom, and wide cameras, AI recognition, and advanced obstacle sensing for complex rescue and monitoring missions.
DJI Mavic 3 Thermal: Compact and reliable drone featuring a 48MP visual camera and 640x512 thermal sensor for quick identification of people or heat sources.
DJI Matrice 350 RTK: Rugged enterprise platform with 55-minute flight time, RTK accuracy, and multi-payload support for critical response operations.
DJI Dock 2: Automated drone-in-a-box system supporting the Matrice 3D and 3TD for remote or pre-planned emergency deployments.
DJI Matrice 4TD: Dual-sensor drone with thermal and RGB imaging, designed for rapid detection and situational awareness in emergency scenarios.
DJI Dock 3: Advanced autonomous dock for the Matrice 4D Series, supporting both fixed and vehicle-mounted deployments for flexible, continuous public safety operations.
Want to Learn How to Start a Drone Show Business?
Interested in entertainment applications? Drone light shows are becoming increasingly popular for events, marketing, and public spectacles — with growing demand in the UK.
Start a drone show business by combining fleet management, synchronised flight software, and creative design.
Talk to our team today to learn more about getting started.
Access heliguy™ end-to-end support
Not just a sale, we offer advice, hardware, and training when you need it.
Starting and running a drone business isn't just about buying your drone. It's a multi-layered operation which can involve training, on-going support, repairs, and a trusted supplier.
This is where Heliguy comes in, our value goes beyond a one-off quick sale. Our deeply-integrated ecosystem of services ensures we can support your drone business at every step, from start-up to scale.
Heliguy support table
Drone Supply & Logistics | Extensive inventory for immediate supply and scaling, along with a convenient drone rental service and flexible finance options. Global network of industry partners, ensuring reliable service level agreements and next-day delivery for urgent needs. IATA certified for the global air shipment of high-power batteries, facilitating efficient logistics. |
Consultancy and Lifetime Support | Free consultancy, our experienced team provides built-in consultancy to help you create the perfect drone package, sharing case studies and best practices tailored to your needs. Accessible support, receive over-the-phone assistance whenever you need it, even in the field, ensuring you always have the help you need. Ongoing lifetime support, we offer ongoing lifetime support beyond the initial transaction, our clients include major organisations like Balfour Beatty, and the BBC. |
Drone Training | Comprehensive CAA-approved training, we offer A2 CofC and GVC courses through a mix of online and in-person sessions, including closed and specific training in surveying, mapping, thermography, and photography. Industry-leading training which has benefited over 5,000 candidates, including pilots from organisations like Network Rail, National Grid, London Fire Brigade, and Phillips 66. Additional services, we also offer manual creation and renewal, along with OSC consultancy for operations that extend beyond Standard Permissions. |
Repair Services | In-house DJI-approved Repair Centre for quick crash support and efficient repair management to get your drone back in the air fast. Instant replacement & fault diagnosise, we offer immediate replacements for dead-on-arrival products, along with over-the-phone fault diagnosis from our technicians and free returns for faulty items. Warranty & support services, access our extensive UK repair infrastructure, firmware upgrade support, data analysis, and premium customer service for manufacturer resolutions. |
"I would like to thank everyone at heliguy™ for their support over the years. heliguy™ understands what most companies have failed to – that it’s not just about selling stuff, but a genuinely human and caring approach to every aspect of aftersales, service and support." Chris Boyes - 5kdigitalfilm.
Use the heliguy™ four-step action plan
Get your drone business off the ground with our four-step action plan to designed to help you build a solid foundation and scale gradually over time.
As your operations expand, you'll need to ensure your plan evolves accordingly. For more advanced use cases, consider options like larger drones, specialised training courses, and processing software to meet your growing needs.
Step 1: Start your business using a sub-250g drone such as the DJI Mini 4 Pro.
Start generating revenue immediately with no training required.
Enjoy the freedom to fly close to and over people.
Test the market and reduce upfront costs by utilising heliguy™ rentals.
Register with the CAA and obtain public liability insurance.
Step 2: Market your business and generate your first sale.
Leverage word-of-mouth referrals and social media communities to build leads.
Engage with local businesses to discuss your services.
Showcase examples of your drone footage to establish trust with potential clients.
Create a website, optimise for SEO keywords, and start driving traffic to it.
Step 3: Expand your drone programme.
Use your revenue to upgrade your drone or expand your fleet.
Opportunities include mapping/surveying, thermography, or industrial inspection.
Invest in software to maximise data collection and conduct in-depth analysis.
Step 4: Drone Training, the heliguy™ drone training ecosystem, enables you to grow your drone business.
Undertake A2 CofC or GVC drone training courses online.
Closed-course, industry-specific training.
OSC consultancy for more bespoke missions.
Use our drone licence calculator to see which training is best for you.
"I wanted a drone provider that I could stick with throughout the lifecycle of my business and provide all the services I would need - and heliguy™ is exactly that supplier: The training was professional, they helped me pick the right kit, and guided me through set-up once the kit arrived." Quinton Quayle - Quayle Industries.
Top three factors to keep in mind
Start Small & Prepare to Scale Up: When starting your drone business, begin small and scale up gradually. Focus on mastering one use case before expanding. Having a plan in place early on will help you hit the ground running as you grow your equipment and team.
Test, Train, And Learn: "Practice makes perfect" holds true for starting a drone business. Test, train, and learn your equipment, both hardware and software, to become efficient in your field. You may need an A2 or GVC certification, so use our training calculator to determine the right course. The more skilled you are, the easier it is to scale your business.
Drone Insurance: This is essential for commercial operations, protecting both your business and equipment. Costs vary based on coverage, drone type, and contract length, with pay-as-you-fly options available. We've partnered with Coverdrone for competitive rates - get a quote today.
Summary
The drone industry offers immense potential for growth and innovation. With heliguy™'s support and the right strategies, you can launch a successful drone business that thrives in this dynamic market.
Contact us today to start your drone journey and be part of the exciting future of aerial technology.
