New jobs and global growth for HeliSpeed

HeliSpeed, the Blackpool-based company specialising in pilot supply services, training and aircraft management, is geared for global growth and job creation.

The company provides highly experienced pilots for specialist work including disaster relief, offshore and search & rescue.

After tapping into Boost’s Growth Voucher programme, HeliSpeed is planning to increase turnover from £200,000 to over £3.2m 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, the company provides 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.

Through the Boost programme, operations director Gemma Walker was paired with senior business advisor Tim Smith. 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.

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.”