Preston aerial filming business takes off after Boost support

By Boost Business Lancashire

12 Sep 2019

paul-conlin-conlin-films.jpg

A Preston-based corporate film specialist has his sights set on a substantial rise in turnover after receiving support from Boost – Lancashire’s business growth hub.

Paul Conlin, who has worked in the corporate film production industry since the early eighties, was considering retirement until he decided to train as a qualified drone pilot.

Since receiving support through Boost’s Growth Support Programme, Paul has gained a Civil Aviation Authority qualification, moved to commercial office space in Preston city centre and engaged the services of a virtual personal assistant.

Paul’s new set up provides him with the ability to photograph and video commercial footage in UK airspace using drone technology.

He previously worked for big name businesses including BP, ICI, Kellogg's, B&Q, and Jaffa but wanted to move away from traditional corporate film production and apply his skills to the emerging aerial surveying, inspections and mapping sector. 

Paul said: “The commercial world has changed since I was last in it. Drone filming services are now transforming the way in which the construction, agricultural and environmental industries are operating.

“As a more mature person, I was rather cautious, so it took a great leap of faith to expand into such a new and developing area. I knew I just needed some support and encouragement to move forward.”

He was introduced to Boost by an existing client and worked with Sue Denver from Boost’s delivery partner Winning Pitch.

Boost’s fully-funded Growth Support Programme is designed to support individuals and SMEs in Lancashire. It offers a range of services and support to help them to deal with challenges in sales, marketing, finance, business planning and recruitment.

Paul attended a range of the programme’s courses to learn more about increasing productivity through marketing and PR. He also attended social media and marketing masterclasses. Further courses covered business planning and selling techniques. Paul also benefitted from group coaching sessions and networking events.

Sue said: “Paul has the background knowledge in corporate film production, but he needed help positioning his business in the marketplace when presenting to new clients.

“Paul also needed to create a value for his service and to structure his pricing and daily rate to be viable. We identified that he needed help to get himself established and raise his profile.

“In order to help him further expand his business, Paul is now exploring a Growth Loan with the help of Access2Finance – North West.”

Paul continued: “The Boost programme has provided me with a renewed focus and confidence to enable me to reinvent myself and my business ideas for the 21st century.

“The growth support workshops have been instrumental in broadening my horizons, updating my marketing skills and expanding my social media knowledge. I have also made new business connections and friends along the way.”

Paul added: “I saw value the very first day of Boost’s Growth Programme. I would highly recommend anyone in Lancashire who is thinking of setting up a business or already in business but seeks further support to take advantage of the brilliant services available through Boost.”

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).

Latest news

1

Beever and Struthers advise on £1.5bn funding for 2,000 new social homes a year John Jones

Beever and Struthers advise on £1.5bn funding for 2,000 new social homes a year

03 Jul 2025

2

Airframe Designs aligns with US programme for additive manufacturing growth Additive manufacturing technology unit At Airframe Designs

Airframe Designs aligns with US programme for additive manufacturing growth

03 Jul 2025

3

Panache Cruises on course for further growth with support from Rosebud James Cole

Panache Cruises on course for further growth with support from Rosebud

03 Jul 2025

4

Lancashire emerges as key player in UK's Defence and Tech Sector Mo Isap Chair Of The Lancashire Business Board Nick Miles National Cyber Force Deputy Director For Samlesbury Annette Weekes Representative Of The NWRDSC

Lancashire emerges as key player in UK's Defence and Tech Sector

03 Jul 2025

5

Report shows impact of BAE Systems in Lancashire BAE Systems Radar

Report shows impact of BAE Systems in Lancashire

02 Jul 2025

Background image for hub sign up block

LBV Hub

Leverage Lancashire Business View platforms

Post your news
Post your events
Post your offers
Build your network
Improve your SEO
Gain coverage in the magazine
Sign-up
Events
LBV123 July/August Launch Event
Lancashire Business View magazine launch
Networking
16 Jul 2025

LBV123 July/August Launch Event

Burnley

08:30 - 10:30

Lancashire Built Environment Conference 2025
BEC 315 X 315 Px
Networking
25 Sep 2025

Lancashire Built Environment Conference 2025

Blackpool Football Club, Blackpool, FY1 6HX

08:30 - 13:00

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course

Preston Campus, Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 17:00

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course

Preston Campus, Preston, PR1 2HE

08:00 - 17:00

The Marketing Metrics that Matter – July 4
LBV Hub Seminars
04 Jul 2025 - 04 Jul 2025

The Marketing Metrics that Matter – July 4

Door4 Office, Burnley Wharf, Burnley, BB11 1JG

08:30 - 11:00

Tri-Site Survey Equipment Showcase
unnamed (2).jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
09 Jul 2025 - 09 Jul 2025

Tri-Site Survey Equipment Showcase

Crow Wood Hotel, Burnley, BB12 0RT

09:30 - 16:00

Blackburn Cathedral hosts Champagne and Diamonds Event with Ainsworth Jewellers
Champagne-Jewellery 10 07 25_page-0001.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Awards
10 Jul 2025 - 10 Jul 2025

Blackburn Cathedral hosts Champagne and Diamonds Event with Ainsworth Jewellers

Blackburn Cathedral, Blackburn, BB1 5AA

18:00 - 20:30

Choose Chorley for Business - Talent Reimagined Business Breakfast
talentreimaginedbb.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
10 Jul 2025 - 10 Jul 2025

Choose Chorley for Business - Talent Reimagined Business Breakfast

Strawberry Fields Digital Hub, Chorley, PR71PS

08:00 - 10:30

Shaping Preston's future by remembering its past
1750160034867.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
16 Jul 2025 - 16 Jul 2025

Shaping Preston's future by remembering its past

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

18:00 - 20:30

Chamber Summer BBQ
LBV Hub Social
17 Jul 2025 - 17 Jul 2025

Chamber Summer BBQ

The Borough, Dalton Square, Lancaster, LA1 1PP

17:30 - 20:00

Preston Tech Connection: Web3 is Dead. Or is It?
July Longer Banner.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
29 Jul 2025 - 29 Jul 2025

Preston Tech Connection: Web3 is Dead. Or is It?

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

18:00 - 19:30

Preston Freelancer Meet-Up: July
Longer July Banner.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
31 Jul 2025 - 31 Jul 2025

Preston Freelancer Meet-Up: July

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

10:00 - 11:30

Advertise with us

Reaching 50,000 members, our print, digital and event platforms offer a fantastic way to raise your business profile and help you grow.

Find out more LBV122 Online Graphic
Subscribe now

Weekly news bulletin