Surrey Mirror

Bristow Helicopters has been presented with a Queen’s Award for Enterprise for innovation.
The Redhill based firm was given the accolade in recognition of its continuous development of search and rescue (SAR) helicopters over an extended period.
The award was handed to Keith Chanter, chief executive, Bristow Helicopters, by Sarah Goad, the Lord Lieutenant of Surrey, at the company’s headquarters.
Now in its golden jubilee year – the company was formed in 1958 – Bristow has its headquarters at Redhill Aerodrome, with European operations based in Aberdeen, Scotland.
The company is a worldwide operator and has operated on every continent, mainly supporting the oil and gas industry.
Bristow has supported the SAR industry for more than 30 years – the first contract was awarded by the Government in 1971 – making Bristow the first civilian operator of a shore-based SAR operation in the UK.
Since 1978 Bristow has been continuously contracted to provide a dedicated SAR service at various locations around the UK.
The award summary said: “Most recently, the company has developed a dual hoist system for search and rescue helicopters so that there is a back up if one of the hoists fails.
“This has become an industry standard and has led to considerable commercial success as well as improving the effectiveness of crucial search and rescue operations.”
A company spokesman said this week that Bristow’s success is based on a policy of continuous innovation backed by extensive research and development.

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