Based in Manchester, this niche engineering firm provides training and simulation systems for the air, rail and defence sectors. Projects are bespoke and include anything from mission simulators to helicopter underwater escape training. The implementation of a strategy to trade internationally has led to projects in America, the Middle East and continental Europe. In 2004 Kevin Bird and Tony Bermingham led a 3i-backed, £5m management buyout from parent company C-Beck Group. Under the management that they installed, overseas sales grew 61% a year, from £1.7m in 2006 to £4.5m in 2008.