Skyfarer is at the forefront of drone technology and is dedicated to providing innovative solutions for critical societal challenges. The company, founded by Elliot Parnham, leverages autonomous drones to transform various industries, offering rapid and efficient delivery services beyond traditional logistics. Skyfarer’s technology is designed to enhance everyday life, from delivering essential supplies to enabling swift response in emergencies, all while minimizing the need for costly infrastructure.
Elliot’s journey to becoming an entrepreneur began with a long-standing ambition to join the Royal Air Force (RAF). From a young age, he carefully planned his academic path to achieve this goal. However, after gaining firsthand experience in the RAF during his university years, he realized that the structured environment did not suit his personality. This pivotal moment led him to reassess his career trajectory, ultimately steering him away from the RAF and toward the corporate world.
His brief tenure in the motorcycle industry, where Elliot worked in quality management, further clarified his career desires. Despite enjoying the interactions with people, he found the routine and restrictive nature of the role unfulfilling. This realization prompted Elliot to explore other avenues, eventually leading him to discover entrepreneurship — a path that offered both autonomy and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact.
During his final year at university, while working on a thesis involving drone technology, Elliot conceived the idea for a business that could revolutionize medical logistics. His design for a drone capable of efficiently delivering medical supplies became the foundation of Skyfarer.
Elliot is deeply committed to creating a positive impact on society, not just through the company’s products but also by fostering a workplace culture that emphasizes fulfillment and purpose. He recalls, “I realized that the one thing I was missing was how to leave a legacy, make an impact, and find fulfillment in my work for the benefit of society.” This vision is integral to Skyfarer’s mission and is reflected in every aspect of the business.
The company has assembled a diverse group of professionals who bring a wealth of expertise to the table. The leadership team, in particular, plays a crucial role in steering the company toward its goals. As the founder, Elliot has seen the company’s focus sharpen over time, leading to a more defined roadmap and strategy.
Central to Skyfarer’s success is its strong governance, anchored by the board of directors. Elizabeth Gooch MBE, a well-regarded figure in the region, serves as the chairwoman. Her extensive knowledge and experience are invaluable assets to the company. Alongside her, Allan Andrews plays a crucial role in policy development, helping Skyfarer navigate complex regulatory landscapes.
On the technological front, Rich Bishop, the Chief Technology Officer, brings over two decades of experience in software development and training engineers. His expertise ensures that Skyfarer’s technological innovations are robust and cutting-edge. Complementing the technical team, Georgia Hanrahan, the Chief Operations Officer, has been pivotal in shaping the company’s culture. Her remarkable journey from Australia to the UK with minimal resources demonstrates her resilience and entrepreneurial spirit. She has successfully built a cohesive and positive work environment that aligns with the company’s values.
Financial stability and strategic management are overseen by Darryl Hazelhurst-Jeavons, the Chief Financial Officer. With over 30 years of experience in accountancy and finance, Darrell ensures that Skyfarer’s financial practices are sound and sustainable, supporting the company’s growth.
The team extends beyond the C-suite to include managers and specialists across various departments, including flight operations, technology development, compliance, and business operations. This growing team of around 16 members is unified by a shared commitment to Skyfarer’s mission.
“The team is still growing, but one of the proudest achievements, from my perspective, is having such a positively united team that all buy into this vision and get fulfillment out of it as well. And a workplace that is really happy, dedicated, driven, and motivated without me having to ramp that up every day,” says Elliot.
As Skyfarer continues to grow and innovate, the future looks promising. With a dedicated team and a clear mission, the company is well-positioned to expand its impact, both in the drone technology sector and beyond. Elliot’s visionary leadership will undoubtedly continue to be a key factor in Skyfarer’s success, guiding the company toward new heights and ensuring it remains a leader in using technology for societal good.
Spencer Hulse is the Editorial Director at Grit Daily. He is responsible for overseeing other editors and writers, day-to-day operations, and covering breaking news.
