Formula One expert brings drone skills to building consultancy
An independent building and project consultancy has become the first in the country to launch its own in-house drone service.
Manchester based Paragon has set up the new service following the recruitment of a highly experienced aerial surveyor.
Elliott Garrett has joined the business, which is located at the Freetrade Exchange, following nine years’ experience working for Formula One Management.
In his previous role, he travelled the world planning Grands Prix infrastructure and conducting precision GPS surveys of racing circuits using Global Navigation Satellite Systems, laser scanners and drones.
The new service is already being used to produce condition reports on commercial and retail buildings in industrial estates, city centres and high streets.
Drone surveying works by combining high resolution GPS-tagged photographs, 4k video and specialist software to create 3D models, site mapping, fly-over videos and roof surveys.
Paragon director and head of the Manchester office James Onions, said: “When it comes to surveying, the property industry is a dinosaur that still uses slow, archaic processes. Embracing drone technology will be to the benefit of surveyors, developers, property funds and contractors alike.
“We have collaborated closely with Elliott on a number of projects, so we know just how transformational, impressive and effective his approach is. Drone technology is a gamechanger for surveying, so we are very pleased to be leading the way and collaborating with our clients to benefit their assets and create commercial advantage.”
Paragon also expects footage from drones to be used by clients to create marketing videos, giving them a commercial advantage when selling or letting an asset.
During construction projects, drones will also be used instead of time-lapse cameras to give accurate and real-time measurements of the mass of the site, helping avoid disputes about progress.
Elliott Garrett, said: “Having worked closely with Paragon, I know it is a business brimming with innovation and ambition.
“Everyone here is always looking for new and better ways to work together with clients to provide them with the best outcomes. The drone surveying service has got off to a great start, and I’m looking forward to expanding our reach and its applications with the support of my colleagues and our clients.”
Elliott is fully insured and has all relevant permissions from the Civil Aviation Authority.
Paragon’s North West-based clients include Property Alliance Group, Northwood, Praxis, Select Property Group and City Block.
The consultancy has revenues of £12.2m and employs more than 100 people, 20 of them based in Manchester. The rest work out of its London and Edinburgh offices.
