Managed procurement system for drones launched by Drone Major

The launch of the new managed procurement platform will enable buyers and suppliers in the UK’s drone industry to efficiently fast-track major projects and unlock new opportunities for SMEs to participate in previously inaccessible large-scale projects.

Drone Major, which secured approval from the UK Civil Aviation Authority for the UK’s first beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) drone flights over the UK’s Critical National Infrastructure back in May, has enhanced its existing supplier platform to connect global suppliers with high-value procurement opportunities in robotics, drones and unmanned systems.

Robert Garbett, founder and CEO of Drone Major, commented: “The UK has the talent and the technologies, many of which reside within our own SME base, but it has lacked the mechanism to bring them to the front line effectively. The launch of our new platform marks a major step forward in empowering British SMEs and start-ups, giving them a powerful tool to navigate and simplify complex procurement processes in the drone industry.” 

Garbett added: “The procurement platform will help to place the UK at the forefront of the global drone industry, while also strengthening the UK’s supply chain independence and reducing reliance on China.”

Global market 

The global drone and robotics market is projected to grow from a current size of £55 billion in 2024 to £121 billion come 2030, in turn presenting British SMEs with a major opportunity.

Drone Major’s new platform is centred around a business-to-business marketplace that’s purpose-designed to connect buyers and suppliers globally with vetted and trusted partners in the drone and robotics ecosystem.

It enables the delivery of end-to-end programmes, with Drone Major co-ordinating the complete supply chain process, thereby ensuring on-time and on-budget project completion. Drone Major will evaluate supplier bids, select the most capable vendors and then manage the entire supply chain execution, in addition to handling compliance, regulatory approval (including harnessing Drone Major’s experience with BVLOS authorisation where needed), project management, logistics, quality control and final delivery.

Technical capability 

Robert Garbett continued: “The new platform showcases the full breadth of our technical capability, enabling us to deliver virtually any solution in the unmanned systems domain.” 

In conclusion, Garbett observed: “By opening up access to major opportunities, we’re putting the cards in the hands of the innovators. This platform will help to drive a procurement revolution in the UK: cutting costs, saving time and transforming how enterprise engages with the SME supply chain.”

*Further information can be accessed online at www.dronemajor.net