A former editor of The Press and Journal (P&J) and Evening Express is enjoying success with a drone business serving the oil and gas sector.
Damian Bates had spells running each newspaper and was for more than four years editor-in-chief across both titles at Aberdeen Journals, part of media group DC Thomson.
He and civil engineer Richard Welton started up Digitising Reality last year.
Digital twinning
The firm digitally maps “super accurate models” of assets from bridges and churches to oil platforms and wind turbines.
It is said to have won a string of UK contracts in its first six months and is now expanding into the US.
Mr Welton, formerly of firms including Texo Group, said: “Creating a digital twin that can be seen on a computer, or augmented reality headset, no matter where you are in the world, can save significant amounts of time, manpower and cost – not to mention making it safer for everyone.”
‘I loved the technology and Richard’s passion’
Mr Bates, now a business consultant and investor, is the firm’s managing partner and chief commercial officer.
He said: “I got involved because I loved the technology and Richard’s passion, and saw some hugely exciting opportunities in this digital space.
“Some of the developments in technology are awesome, and we can apply it to save significant costs for business and make their operations a whole lot safer.
US expansion
“We’ve been blown away by the interest we’re getting – and we’re having a huge amount of fun working with some great people.”
Digitising Reality is currently using a small group of drone pilots, and building a team of data processors and modellers.
The entrepreneurial duo behind the young business have appointed Ed Davis to lead its expansion in Houston, in the US, including the recruitment of pilots and support staff.
Mr Bates added: “The business has just rocketed from a standing start and we’re building a very powerful portfolio of work and equipment that is really exciting.
“A number of our clients have operations both in the North Sea and Texas.
“It only makes sense for us to give our clients the ability to access our services on both sides of the Atlantic.”
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