Drones on Dragons Den

Back in 2015, I met Mark Boyt (from Drone Safe Register) on a drone pilot training course at Heathrow Airport in London. We got chatting and immediately hit it off.

You see, Mark is one of the nicest guys you could meet. He is:

Needless to say we both passed the CAA course and headed off to put our drone businesses into action. We have worked together on a few jobs with the most noteworthy being in Shoreham for a VERY long football match.

Filming the Shoreham Air Disaster Charity Football Match

Mark had posted online, a request for help on a charity match in aid of the Shoreham air disaster. He had secured the job and was now looking for someone to help in this mammoth task. You see, it would also be a world record attempt so we couldn't fail or else...

I "chimed in" and said I could help.

The specs were quite stringent for the Guinness World Records. They included the requirement of a continuous video stream for 4 and a half days!!!

We filmed from inside a double-decker bus using two video cameras, one with hot-swappable memory cards. Unbelievably, both cameras performed flawlessly and kept running for 4 1/2 days or 108 hours non-stop!

That was despite getting wet and soggy through thunderstorms and mist at night. And boiling hot during the day as the midday sun beamed into the bus heating it up like a greenhouse.

The bus leaked (click images below for larger version. If on Smartphone, tap inside and out of pic).

Here is a short video I put together of our time on that job. I will admit there were times when tempers were frayed and voices were raised (by me ​mostly). However, with a maximum of 3 hours sleep a night, pouring rain and the pressure of this job, it was understandable.

We also worked together:

...as well as generally messing about with new drones and gadgets.

Drone Safe Register

Not long after all this, Mark's enthusiasm went into overdrive. He told me he was starting a website to help qualified drone pilots get recognition, noticed and to get work from viable sources. In doing so, Mark also created a great portal for like-minded drone pilots to share tips and stories.

After a few teething problems at the start, and a lot of sleepless nights for Mark, Drone Safe Register was launched. Before long, Mark had signed up hundreds of members with many of them receiving contracts for work. Some of which led onto much bigger and better things.

I myself am a member of DSR (see me here) and have been impressed with how Mark has not only run the business, but how he has dealt with adversity from rival companies.

DSR on Dragons Den

I was amazed when Mark told me he would be appearing on Dragon's Den with the Drone Safe Register business. Although I wasn't surprised. You see, Mark is a bit of an entrepreneur with a very strong work ethic.

I know Mark must have been incredibly nervous on the show but the enthusiasm from the Dragons was superb. All topped off with a deal done with Peter Jones who was probably the most excited by the whole business.

As a full testament to Mark, you know you are doing ok when your members arrange to meet up as a group to watch him on Dragon's Den! Nice one Mark, from little acorns eh?

Joining the Drone Safe Register

If you are a qualified drone pilot and would like to join DSR, please click the link below for more information. DSR Pro offers its members a raft of benefits, has a great community of like-minded people and a superb website.

Alternatively, maybe you are a hobbyist and want to be involved? The hobbyist membership is a lot cheaper and you still get some great benefits. For more information, please click the link below.