History of the ATEO | X-Calibre Limited was originally established in 1995 by Brocock Limited to provide a mail order retail outlet for their products, this was taken over from Brocock by Dave Mills.

Dave had already along with others set up the Airgun Training and Education Organisation (ATEO) and adding this unique opportunity as the training part of X-Calibre would bring a different style of selling Airguns to the public.

ATEO was primarily set up to educate, train and promote all aspects of airgun shooting to the public by a small group of dedicated airgun shooters.

AEO was set up after the ATEO was asked by Police forces both in Cheshire and Staffordshire to go into School’s to help.

Educating all aspects of airgun shooting, BB Guns, Replicas and Knife crime to schools by dedicated shooters. Our mission is to encourage young people of all ages and abilities to be educated in the safe use of guns and knives.

We believe this can be enhanced by giving the appropriate education to young people to show the use of guns and knives without harm or injury to persons or wildlife or any detriment to the environment.

This education needs to start at an early age to focus youngsters on the dangers of misusing guns of all types and the laws and legislation that can be broken.

The AEO has set up a schools programme to help inform youngsters to the law and how the use of this equipment correctly, can be a way to control some pest species without risk to other species that other methods can cause and how some of these pest species can be used to provide organic and a healthy food source.

Since it’s inception the AEO has visited many schools in Cheshire and Staffordshire. The AEO has also helped along with Staffordshire Police to highlight the dangers of misuse in the ‘No Buts’ campaign, helping to reduce the reported misuse in the areas that were covered.

About Dave Mills –

Founder | ATEO – Airgun Training, Education & Organisation

Airgun Compliance, Training & Risk Management Specialist

I have been professionally involved in the airgun industry for over three decades, combining hands-on experience, formal qualifications, and regulatory expertise to support individuals, clubs, ranges, manufacturers, and governing bodies.

My background spans competitive shooting, professional training design, compliance consultancy, and range safety, making me a trusted point of reference for airgun matters, including Home Office consultation and best-practice standards.

Professional Experience & Credentials

• Competitive airgun involvement since 1987, with public demonstrations, trade shows, and Game Fair ranges from 1993 onwards

• Airgun RFD since 1992, with long-standing commercial and regulatory experience

• City & Guilds qualified NVQ Assessor & Verifier

Assessor, Verifier, Quality Control & Trainer since 1995

• Designer of accredited airgun training programmes since 1995

• Trainer of airgun coaches, Range Conducting Officers (RCOs), and professional pest controllers

• Airgun reviewer and technical writer, supporting informed, evidence-based product understanding

• Consultant to the airgun industry and manufacturers, advising on compliance, training, and operational standards

• Specialist in range construction, risk assessment, and safe range setup, including documentation and operational controls

• Advisor to airgun clubs and shooting venues for 30+ years, supporting governance, safety, and long-term sustainability

Why ATEO

ATEO was created to raise and protect professional standards within airgun training and education.

In an environment where training is increasingly delivered without recognised qualifications or industry history, ATEO stands apart by offering:

• Proven industry experience

• Recognised training and assessment credentials

• Regulatory understanding grounded in real-world practice

• Programmes designed by someone who has lived the sport and the industry

ATEO’s approach is built on credibility, accountability, and long-term commitment to safe and responsible airgun use.

If you would like more information on visits to your school or youth organisation or would like to help take this programme into school’s please contact Dave Mills.