The founders of a Suffolk mechanical and electrical contractor are retiring after 25 successful years at the helm.
Gary and Fran Dinsdale are stepping down as managing directors of DPL Group, based in Ipswich, having launched the company in 2001.
The firm has seen consistent, fast-paced growth over that time upgrading its offices multiple times, including a move into its new headquarters on Bluestem Road last year.
Gary and Fran met at Fankirk Nursing Home in Felixstowe, where Fran was working as a nursing assistant, and Gary was working on site as a contractor.
“That meeting marked the beginning of both our personal and professional journey together,” said Gary.
“Working for an employer was never really an option for me. Before DPL, I ran a small electrical business trading as Gary Dinsdale Electrical Services, which I set up after completing my electrical installation course at college.
“Fran was working as a clerical assistant at the headquarters of Eastern Electricity at Wherstead Park.
“From early on, I knew I wanted to run my own business, and if I’m honest, taking orders from a boss simply wasn’t for me.”
Gary said one of the highlights of these early years was moving into an office in Nacton Village, converted from an old onion store.
“That first year set the tone for what followed,” he said. “Hard work, commitment and making the most of every opportunity.
“Failure was never an option. It was very much head down and giving 100% to everything we did.
“Family holidays – few as they were – often involved pricing jobs and organising materials for live projects. It was demanding, but also incredibly exciting and rewarding.”
Today, DPL Group and its sister companies offer a comprehensive range of services, all delivered by directly employed staff.
The group’s fire and security division, Protect and Detect, provides fire and security alarms, access control, CCTV, sprinkler systems, passive fire protection, and fire hydrant installation and testing.
One of the group’s latest companies, GTS – Green Technology Solutions – delivers heating, ventilation and air conditioning, heat pumps, solar PV and battery storage.
Over the past 25 years, the company has worked on some fantastic projects, including long-term contracts like the Ipswich Borough Council rewire programme, The Wine Rack and Ipswich Waterfront developments, ongoing electrical and fire maintenance at the Port of Felixstowe and projects delivered for Suffolk County Council and Concertus.
Fran said: “We are incredibly proud of how DPL has grown into one of the largest privately- owned, family M&E companies in East Anglia, supported by an exceptional workforce.
“Many employees joined us straight from school and have progressed into senior roles, including company directors.
“We are immensely proud of our CEOs, James Bond and Vincent Langley, who are also shareholders and will now be leading the business forward.
“The commitment shown by everyone across the organisation has been key to our success.
“We’re also proud of the number of apprentices we’ve trained, the career opportunities we provide, and the amazing offices we now work from.”
Although the couple will remain as company chairs at DPL, they are looking forward to taking life a little easier.
Gary added: “We’re looking forward to travelling, including sailing our yacht Womble around the UK, and taking road trips across Europe and beyond.
“We’d also like to spend time mentoring new business start-ups, enjoying good food and wine, staying active, and most importantly, spending quality time with family and friends while making new memories.
“It very much feels like the right time. While we’re stepping back, we’ll still pop into the office from time to time.
“We have an amazing team in place and are confident they will continue to grow the business from strength to strength.”
