Once seen as toys for the affluent or fancy tools for the professional photographer or cinematographer, over the last 20 years drones have become more affordable and easily available to anyone with an interest in their surroundings from a great height. Start a Drone Business today and we´ll help you soar!
Nowadays, drones have become integrated into all areas of business, from the wedding photographer to a building inspector on a construction site.
According to Statista, the global market size of consumer drones is forecast to grow between 2020 and 2026. In 2022, the consumer drone market size was around £3.13 billion and by 2026, this value is expected to reach roughly £6.87 billion.
The UK commercial drone market, (filming and photography, inspection and maintenance, mapping and surveying, precision agriculture, surveillance and monitoring etc) was valued at around £1.2 billion in 2021. The market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate CAGR of 25% until 2026.
Growth will continue as commercial drones become even more affordable. Advances in technology, such as longer battery life, improved camera quality and obstacle avoidance are making starting a drone business more viable for anyone wanting to dive skywards into an expanding range of businesses.
Potential Annual Revenue: £30-59,000
Startup Cost: £1,500-£3,000
Time To Revenue: 4-6+ months
Annual Market Growth Rate: %
Best for: Creative, safety conscious, hard working, calm entrepreneurs.
Before you start mapping out your flight path, here are some pros and cons to keep in mind:
6 Great Reasons to Start a Drone Business
Versatile Applications: Drones have a wide range of applications across various industries including estate agency, agriculture, construction, aerial photography, surveying, environmental monitoring and more. This versatility allows you to tailor your services to different market needs and diversify your income streams.
Low Barrier to Entry: Compared to many other businesses, starting a drone business has a relatively low barrier to entry. With the availability of affordable drone equipment and online resources for training and education, aspiring entrepreneurs can enter the industry with minimal upfront investment.
Growing Market Demand: The demand for drone services is steadily increasing as businesses and industries recognise the value of aerial data collection and analysis. Whether it’s capturing stunning aerial footage for marketing purposes or conducting precision agriculture surveys, there is a growing need for skilled drone operators.
Scalability: A drone business can be easily scalable, allowing you to expand your operations as your client base grows. Whether you choose to hire additional drone pilots, invest in more advanced equipment or offer new services, you have the flexibility to scale your business according to market demand and opportunities.
Environmental Benefits: Drones have the potential to provide environmental benefits by reducing the need for traditional methods of data collection that may involve heavy machinery or human labour. With their ability to access remote or hazardous areas safely and efficiently, drones can help minimize environmental impact while maximizing productivity.
Community Impact: A drone business can have a positive impact on your community by offering valuable services such as search and rescue support, disaster response, wildlife monitoring and more. By leveraging drone technology for social good, you can contribute to public safety, conservation efforts and community resilience.
5 Common Challenges when Starting a Drone Business
Regulations: Navigating the complex landscape of regulations governing drone operations can be challenging. Different countries in the UK have varying rules regarding drone registration, pilot certification, flight restrictions and privacy concerns. Check before you start work in another area.
Insurance Costs: Securing adequate insurance coverage for your drone business can be expensive, particularly liability insurance to protect against potential accidents or property damage.
Technical Skills and Training: Operating drones requires technical expertise in piloting, maintenance and data processing. Acquiring the necessary skills and certifications from aviation authorities can be time-consuming and require financial investment in training programs and equipment.
Equipment Costs: Balancing the need for advanced technology with budget constraints while ensuring reliability and performance can be a challenge for entrepreneurs. The rapid pace of technological advancements in the drone industry means that staying updated with the latest trends and innovations is essential to remain competitive
Market Competition: The drone industry is becoming increasingly competitive, with many players offering similar services across various sectors. Standing out in a crowded market and differentiating your business from competitors can be challenging, especially for newcomers without an established reputation or client base.
From registering your company, establishing your brand to marketing your services, we’ll cover everything you need to know to help you turn your creative, entrepreneurial skills into a successful and busy mobile business.