There is a CAA publication, CAP360?! (i'd check that!) that will list and provide you with info needed for public transport ops.
Getting an AOC is a fairly huge task, if you or your friend are serious, I would recommend finding a consultant, lots of them in circulation usually retired Flight Ops inspectors - they will have a 'template' of all manuals required to the correct standard, naturally at a price!
Cheers
JB