World-leading HeliSpeed is cleared for take-off

Pilot supply services, training and aircraft management business, HeliSpeed, is set to increase turnover by 50%, break into fresh global markets and create extra jobs, thanks to Boost’s Growth Voucher programme.

The Blackpool-based company provides highly experienced pilots for specialist work including disaster relief, offshore and search & rescue. They expect to increase turnover from £200,000 to over £3.2 million in three years and take on at least three new staff, including an administrator, travel co-ordinator and systems administrator.

HeliSpeed also intends to break into new markets, in particular structural assessments using wind turbines as well a research and development programme which will enable the firm to develop new partnerships, including one with a major multi-national development partner.

Established in 2009, HeliSpeed is a pilot supply service and training company, specialising in highly experienced pilots with the diverse skillsets required for offshore, construction, utility, search and rescue (SAR) / emergency medical service (EMS), disaster relief and VIP operations.

The business also supports ferry flights, aircraft repositioning, ground and flight tests. HeliSpeed supports pilot training from early stages to fully qualified offshore heavy helicopter pilots. The company currently has over 500 pilots on its books. Operations director, Gemma Walker, was paired with senior business advisor Tim Smith by Boost & Co member,Geminus Training.

Once a business support review had taken place a Growth Voucher was recommended to facilitate the redevelopment of the company’s website and develop its corporate identity, allowing HeliSpeed to set itself apart in the global aviation market.

Boost is Lancashire's Business Growth Hub and is led by the Lancashire LEP (Local Enterprise Partnership) and Lancashire County Council and supported by funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

Gemma said: “The Growth Voucher was integral to supporting the future expansion of the company. Our website now fully reflects the services we offer. It’s clear and concise for our customers and prospective customers and has given us a global branding that underpins our market presence.

“We are currently in the process of expanding our operations, with a series of cutting-edge research and development projects aimed at developing a wider range of services where the use of a helicopter delivers a significant operational advantage.”

Tim added: “It was a pleasure to work with Gemma, who has a firm grasp of business development and strategic marketing concepts. I look forward to seeing HeliSpeed go on to achieve great success in the international marketplace.”