The administrators report that the business has been at the cutting edge of drone technology since the late 1990s and is well positioned within the European market, with active subsidiary businesses in Holland and Spain, plus a part-stake in Italy. It has industry-leading training, standards, flight schools and pilot qualifications, and has links to the Civil Aviation Authority and other recognised authorities throughout the world.

Ian Robert, Kingston Smith partner and joint administrator of European UAV Systems Centre Ltd,  said: ’We are looking to sell this business to someone who can develop it further and take it to the next stage, at a time when drone technology is entering a new episode in its commercial application.’

The European network continues to trade as usual and is unaffected by the administration of its UK parent business.