Aerial surveys firm APEM sees demand take-off
ENVIRONMENTAL consultancy APEM has added a fourth survey aircraft to its fleet amid soaring demand for its aerial photography services.
The Stockport-based company has invested £612,000 to buy a new Vulcanair P68C, a six seater, twin-engine aircraft that has a top speed of 300km per hour and a maximum range of almost 3,000km.
APEM’s turnover has grown nearly 50% in the last 12 months to £6.3m – and demand for its services – mostly around offshore windfarm location -are driving its expansion.
Formed in 1987, APEM specialises in aquatic sciences, particularly the study and management of freshwater and marine habitats.
Its work includes surveys of river, lakes and costal habitats for clients such as the Environment Agency, water and power companies, conservation agencies and planners and developers.
APEM has also opened offices in Edinburgh, Cardiff and Chester and recently recruited its 100th employee.
Lombard, the asset finance arm of The Royal Bank of Scotland, provided a £400,000 loan to partly fund the investment.
Dr Keith Hendry, APEM’s managing director, said: “We made the decision several years ago to purchase our own aircraft and survey camera equipment and employ our own full time pilots. This enables us to conduct surveys under the optimal environmental conditions and this has been a significant factor behind our growth.
“We have made this addition to our aerial fleet to ensure that we can continue providing a fast and flexible response to our client’s needs.”
Andrew Bailey, relationship manager at Lombard said: “APEM has a long track record of making cap-ex investments to deliver the best possible results for its clients. This is the second aircraft Lombard has financed in recent years and we look forward to working with them on future projects.”
