[EQUIPMENT]
1987 to present

...in February 1987 during his 2 year pre-release resettlement phase, our Proprietor's part-time business career had evolved as, a unique travelling salesman.

Then, operating as a military parachute instructor and with the permission of senior commanders, he would periodically parachute into a training drop zone at RAF Weston on the Green.

He would deploy from a Hercules C130 aircraft either with 'Light- Scales' or a Bergan rucksack loaded with military survival and mountaineering equipment.

He would sell the kit to military personnel from 5 Airborne Brigade, the Royal Marines, UK Special Forces Group and members of 2 Squadron RAF Regiment.

In addition, equipment was sold to friends and colleagues across the mountaineering and adventure activity fraternity.

In 1988, the family opened a specialist mountain sports shop in Wiltshire. The premises managed to just, facilitate a small manufacturing base.

In the 1st year of full-time activity our Proprietor along with a local journalist, Mr John Oliver engaged in 'Active 88'.

An event to raise funds for the GOSH (Great Ormond Street Hospital) appeal. It involved in one single exercise: Paragliding, Cycling, Canoeing, Running and Rock climbing.

Actively engaged with UK Police force firearms and intervention teams the firm supplied an array of specialist Abseil and Access equipment for use by them in training and selected operations...

[TRAINING]
1987 to Present

...the firm began its provision for quality training with mountain activity courses that included:

• Introductory mountaineering.
• Rock climbing.
• Winter mountaineering.
  And
• Snow and Ice climbing.

In the late 1980's our Proprietor was an ardent supporter for the formation of a professional Association of Mountaineering Instructors. He contributed to the debate and subsequently joined as the 9th member of an organisation now recognised nationally, as the AMI.

Our Proprietor, is recognised as an accomplished mountaineer and respected in industry as a practising professional mountaineering Instructor (MIC).

He used his knowledge and skills gleaned from operations & training with British Elite forces coupled with his expertise and experience as a former operator and senior instructor at the prestigious British Army mountain training centres (JSMTC), to plan, implement and develop the first 'commercially led' dedicated Tactical Abseil course.

The 'Tactical Abseil Concept', for use by Police special operations teams in their role for marksman pre-placement, insertion, escape, rescue and hostage release employed a 3 year programme offering training from Basic through Supervisor, to Instructor level.

Early, in the 1990's a new joint venture project between our firm and Drummuir Castle Estate, provided local businesses with an opportunity to experience Management Development and Corporate Activity days in the North East of Scotland. 'Drummuir Management Development' hosted several successful corporate activity days for J&B Scotch Whisky.

During 2003 and 2004 our Proprietor deployed under contract, to the Middle East to support dedicated security operations and to provide training for an indigenous population.

More recently, the firm has provided a training service to local Government agencies...

[PRODUCTION]
1987 to Present

...the firm began producing specialist adventure equipment in 1987 by utilising an out-sourced manufacturing facility.

Amongst other climbing and adventure products we produced a prototype dedicated Parapente harness, the 'Skyriser'. It entered into production early in 1988 following flight evaluation and recognised testing procedures conducted by the Royal Military College of Science (Shrivenham). *One of only two to be solely produced in the UK.

The item, was purchased by individuals from across the UK including, the British School of Paragliding.

The system evolved to become the 'Skyhawk' complete mountain paragliding system. It enabled mountaineers to carry a normal expedition rucksack load, then to foot launch from the summit with the pack suspended from the harness and canopy to be lowered prior to landing, ensuring the pilot touched down safely unhindered by the laden cargo.

With our Proprietor seeking out and successfully finding new markets, production increased and by the year 2000 (the new millenium), we were producing over 60 multifarious Tactical, Industrial and leisure products.

Many and varied equipment production contracts, included:

• Rigblast (SAS) maintenance contract for the Forth Bridge.
• The UKAEA national security project 'Neptune'
  And
• Role specific load bearing systems for UK based Police force firearms and intervention teams.

During this phase of business activity our Proprietor was accepted as a Corporate member into the Institute for Leadership and Management...

Tactical Systems and Pikitup has over the years, when possible supported Emergency service, Police and Military charities including, the Association of British Military Parachutist's 'Commando speed march' held each year at Achnacarry.

We are delighted to have the opportunity to once again in 2007, support the ABMP objective of raising funds for the Commando Benevolent Fund and Airborne Forces Charities by donating prototype products for auction at the 'Commando speed march' event.
In addition, this year our Proprietor entered the Race as an individual competitor and covered the 7 mile grueling course, carrying a 37lbs Bergen rucksack in a respectable time of 78 minutes. We sincerely thank all those who supported him and the ABMP cause with financial sponsorship.

[RISK SOLUTIONS]
1989 - 31st October 2007

...our Proprietor has served the Defence and Security Industry for the past 33 years.

Upon completion of a 15 year exemplary military career he continued his contact and activity within the domestic and overseas security sector.

He has operated as an active member in varying security roles and selected operations across the UK and overseas. He has recently re-trained and qualified in 'Providing Security Services'...