Independent advisor Drone Major has launched a ‘first-of-its-kind’ managed procurement services platform for the global drone industry.
The company says it will help power the UK’s procurement process and drive innovation across small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the UK’s drone sector.
The launch of the new managed procurement platform will enable buyers and suppliers in the UK drone industry to efficiently fast-track major projects and unlock new opportunities for SMEs to participate in previously inaccessible large-scale projects.
Drone Major’s new platform is centred around a business-to-business marketplace to connect buyers and suppliers globally with vetted, trusted partners in the drone and robotics ecosystem.
It enables the delivery of end-to-end programmes, with Drone Major coordinating the complete supply chain process, ensuring on-time and on-budget project completion.
Drone Major has secured approval from the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) for the country’s first beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) drone flights over the UK’s Critical National Infrastructure in May 2025.
The company has enhanced its existing supplier platform to connect global suppliers with high-value procurement opportunities in robotics, drones, and unmanned systems.
Founder and CEO Robert Garbett says the UK has the talent and technologies, many of which reside within our own SME base, but it has lacked the mechanism to bring them to the front line effectively.
The launch of our new platform marks a major step forward in empowering British SMEs and startups, giving them a powerful tool to navigate and simplify complex procurement processes in the drone industry, he says.
“It will help place the UK at the forefront of the global drone industry, while also strengthening the UK’s supply chain independence … and reducing reliance on China,” Garbett says.
The global drone and robotics market is projected to grow from a current size of £55 billion in 2024 to £121 billion in 2030, which Garbett says presents British SMEs with a major opportunity.
Drone Major will evaluate supplier bids, select the most capable vendors, and then manage the entire supply-chain execution, in addition to handling compliance, regulatory approval (including harnessing Drone Major’s experience with BVLOS authorisation where needed), project management, logistics, quality control, and final delivery.
Garbett adds that by opening up access to major opportunities, “we’re putting the cards in the hands of the innovators”.
“This platform will help drive a procurement revolution in the UK – cutting costs, saving time, and transforming how enterprise engages with the SME supply chain.”
Write to Adam Orlando at Mining.com.au
Images: Drone Major
