Engineer glides in to secure the future of manufacturing business

An engineer with a love of flying is spreading his wings into the world of business, after stepping in to secure the future of Britain’s only hang glider manufacturer.

Sheffield engineer Tim Swait has acquired Avian Hang Gliders, which manufactures gliders from its base in the Hope Valley, after former owner Steve Elkin decided to hang up his goggles.

Swait developed a love for everything aeronautical as a child, devoting his evenings and weekends to crafting model planes and flying remote controlled aircraft.

His passion led to his future career after he successfully completed a Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering and a PhD in Composites Materials, before securing a job at the University of Sheffield’s Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre.  While there, Swait worked some of the leading businesses in the aerospace industry, including Airbus, Boeing and Rolls Royce.

Swait, Director at Avian Hang Gliders, said: “Avian may be a small business, but it is a huge part of the hang gliding community and has an international client base: our Facebook page boasts likes from pilots in every continent – except Antarctica!

“I was fortunate enough to work with Steve Elkin while I was still at the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre, which is when Steve offered me the chance to take over the running of the business. I saw it as a golden opportunity to combine my engineering skills with a sport I love. However, I was also realistic. I knew it would be a journey which would come with its fair share of risks.”

Swait contacted advisory organisation Launchpad for advice after moving from a secure job into the unknown. He also needed to raise the vital funds to secure the future of the business. With help from a a business advisor, Swait was able to navigate his way through the first few months of running the business, accessing the support he needed by taking part in training workshops and one-to-one sessions. He also received advice from other professionals, including accountants and solicitors.

He was able to secure the funds needed to acquire the business through a crowdfunding campaign which enabled fellow hang gliding enthusiasts to secure vouchers against future purchases, including hang gliding lessons, glider repairs and the purchase of new models. Within just 90 days, Swait secured the finance needed to make his business dreams a reality.

Christina Lima-Trindade, Business Advisor, Launchpad, added: “Since the Launchpad programme began in 2016, it has supported a number of entrepreneurs and start-up business owners who, like Tim, possess passion and skill.

“Launchpad was created to help people who are thinking of launching their own business understand what’s involved in running a company, and help them to overcome barriers which prevent them from succeeding in business.

“Tim accessed Launchpad’s support through Business Sheffield, a partner of the Launchpad programme, as he was looking to supplement his engineering and aviation expertise with the business knowledge needed to successfully run a company. Working with Tim has been a pleasure – he understands his products inside out and is passionate about the aviation community.

“I look forward to witnessing Avian Hang Gliders grow and will continue to support Tim in his business venture.”