Consortiq’s Lee Barfoot joins ARPAS-UK Committee

Heathrow, London, UK: The Association of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems – UK (ARPAS-UK), through its annual general meeting (AGM), recently appointed Lee Barfoot, EMEA Sales & Marketing for Consortiq, as one of its committee members. 

With the support of Consortiq, ARPAS-UK members attended the meeting, chaired by ARPAS-UK CEO, Graham Brown. Brown announced this year’s priorities, and reflected on how 2020 affected the industry.

Brown also announced that ‘collaboration’ is a key focus for 2021. In particular, it’s important to find ways to support and engage other associations.

One manner of support is to help find the Kickstart Scheme, which provides funding to employers to create job placements for 16 to 24 year olds on Universal Credit. ARPAS-UK members will provide additional skills to these individuals whilst in placement; for example, a drone qualification (A2CofC & GVC).

ARPAS also committed that they plan to continue focusing on key engagements with the likes of the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) and other industry action groups, whilst continuing to strengthen previously formed relationships.

ARPAS-UK are also focused on looking at general standards within the industry, and hope to influence none aviation standards through the BSI committee.

Consortiq have always supported ARPAS-UK throughout the years, and have had active members in executive and non-executive positions. With the change in drone regulation and the UK leaving the EU, it only seemed right that Consortiq offered once again.

Lee Barfoot has been with Consortiq for four years, and has helped multiple organisations utilise drone technology through training, proof of concepts and consultancy.

He has also been instrumental in identifying strategic relationships, including the recent partnership announcement with SOARIZON by Thales.

Barfoot will offer his input on lead projects that ARPAS-UK wish to pursue throughout 2021.

“Being involved with this Association is key and relevant, especially within the year of so much change.,” Barfoot said. “It was also incredible to see the amount of people who put their names forward to assist and become active committee members. I hope with the support and guidance of Graham and his team, we can help answer any concerns and tackle some of the key challenges that this industry faces. It’s been an interesting past year for everyone and I look forward to the next 12 months. ” 

Both Consortiq and ARPAS-UK will continue to work together to promote safe and compliant UAS operations, whilst helping organisations improve the efficiency and effectiveness of their drone programmes.