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A BRIEF
HISTORY

HeliDrone Surveys was established in 2013 by Roy Emmerson and Michal Skoda, who saw the untapped potential of drone technology for professional building surveying. Under Bob McGowan since 2018, that founding idea still runs the business.

ESTABLISHED

2013

Founded by Roy Emmerson and Michal Skoda.
UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP

2018

Bob McGowan took over with a wider remit for drone services.
BEHIND THE CAMERA

20+ Years

Now applied to our ultra-high quality survey captures.
CHARTERED FOUNDING

RICS

Founded on chartered surveying practice, not hobby flying.

AN OPPORTUNITY IN BUILDING SURVEYING

HeliDrone Surveys was established in 2013 by founders Roy Emmerson and Michal Skoda, who identified an opportunity in the building surveying industry. Roy, an RICS Chartered Surveyor, and Michal, with extensive experience in residential construction, recognised the untapped potential of drone (UAS) technology for professional surveying applications.

The founders envisioned a service that would revolutionise data collection for building inspections and report writing. Their approach allowed surveyors to capture comprehensive visual information more efficiently and safely than traditional methods, establishing HeliDrone Surveys as a pioneer in drone-assisted building surveying.

In late 2018 Bob McGowan took over the company with a strategic vision to expand across all drone technology and services. Qualified in mechanical and electrical engineering and a graduate of civil engineering, he combines those principles with more than twenty years as a freelance cameraman.

Elevated aerial drone view of a modern building rooftop with solar panels and a green roof, set against an urban city backdrop.

OUR GOAL:

PROVIDE COMPREHENSIVE VISUAL INFORMATION, SAFER AND MORE EFFICIENTLY THAN TRADITIONAL METHODS

CAPABILITIES

WHAT THE BUSINESS COVERS

Roof Surveys

Drone roof surveys and inspections

Building Inspections

Condition capture for reports

3D Photogrammetry

Virtual building documentation and mapping

Video Production

Aerial film and stills

Case work

Documented case studies and gallery
COMPANY INFORMATION

THE FORMAL DETAILS

Registered Name

HeliDrone Surveys Limited

Company Number

08733253

Registered In

England and Wales

Established

2013

Coverage

London and UK-wide

OUR FLIGHT SO FAR

2013

COMPANY FOUNDED

Roy Emmerson, an RICS Chartered Surveyor, and Michal Skoda, with extensive residential construction experience, establish HeliDrone Surveys after identifying an opportunity in the building surveying industry.

2013-18

PROVING THE METHOD

The founders build a service around drone-assisted data collection for building inspections and report writing, positioning the company as a pioneer in the field.

2018

NEW OWNERSHIP

Bob McGowan takes over the company in late 2018 with a strategic vision to expand marketing across all drone technology and services.

Today

A BROADER REMIT

Roof surveys, building inspections, aerial video production and 360° media, delivered from South East London to clients across the UK.

Have a building you need to see from above?

Tell your address and what you'd like us to inspect. We'll come back with a flight plan, pricing and dates.