Leonard H. Dale: The Vision Behind 90 Years of Excellence

A Modest Start with Bold Ambitions

The story of Dale Power Solutions began in the early 1930s during a challenging economic climate. Leonard H. Dale was born in 1916 and grew up on a dairy farm in Gristhorpe, spanning six acres. Leonard’s father had very much learnt as he went along, with his grandfather having been a cobbler. In contrast to his father’s insistence on sticking to horses for traction, Leonard’s curiosity and ambition were evident from an early age. By 1918, with the arrival of Leonard’s younger brother, the family moved to Grange Farm, a larger 130-acre property, to provide for their growing household.

Leonard developed asthma at the age of three, but it never hindered his inquisitive nature or determination. He attended Cayton Academy, where he displayed a natural talent for mechanics, and often built intricate working Meccano models in his spare time. By the age of 14, Leonard left school to help his father on the farm alongside his older brother, John. However, Leonard’s entrepreneurial spirit shone through. To earn extra pocket money, he crafted wooden chicken huts using his carpentry skills, selling them for £2 each to families in the village and beyond. This early venture reflected his ambition to do more than farming.

In 1932, when Leonard was 16, the electrification of the farm marked a turning point in his life. The installation of lighting and heating systems fascinated him, sparking a deep interest in electrical engineering. Recognising an opportunity, Leonard approached Arthur Dill, the landlord of the Ox Inn in Lebberston and a skilled plumber and electrician, for work. Dill offered him half days, which Leonard eagerly accepted. Within just six half days, Leonard displayed an extraordinary aptitude for electrical work.

Driven by curiosity, Leonard began devouring technical journals on electricity, mastering the science of its generation and application. Dill trusted him with increasingly complex tasks, including industrial wiring projects for entire farms. While still officially working half days, Leonard often worked late into the night, driven by his thirst for knowledge. By 1935, at the age of 19, Leonard was managing projects independently- sourcing materials, calculating costs, and organising work schedules. On September 24, 1935, with his father’s blessing, Leonard decided to start out on his own and established Dale Electric.

Family and Foundations
Leonard met Doris Smithson in the seaside town of Filey. Doris’s father owned a grocery shop, and the pair quickly formed a bond. Their relationship blossomed, and the couple became engaged in 1935. They married in 1939 and settled at Grange Farm in Lebberston, where they started their family.

Leonard and Doris had three sons, including Iain and Gerald, both of whom followed in their father’s footsteps. Gerald, their second son (pictured above), showed a keen interest in engineering from an early age, often spending hours tinkering alongside Leonard in their home workshop. Iain later joined the family business, furthering the legacy of innovation and excellence that Leonard had established.

Key Milestones in Dale’s Legacy

• Supporting Local Communities: In 1950, the Leonard demonstrated his commitment to supporting local events by wiring the Yorkshire Agricultural Society show in Malton. This was his first experience working with generating sets, which were supplied by another company. Leonard’s careful planning and wiring avoided the costly alternatives associated with the electricity grid, showcasing his ingenuity.

• Building Strong Partnerships: Leonard’s strategic partnership with Midland Bank, advertised in 1970s journals, provided the financial stability needed to establish Dale Power Solutions as a trusted manufacturer of electric generating sets. This collaboration exemplified Leonard’s ability to forge relationships that would sustain the growth of Dale Electric for decades.

• Receiving Royal Recognition: Leonard Dale accepted the Queen’s Award for Industry in July 1971, a testament to Dale Electric’s contribution to British engineering. Over a decade later, in 1983, Iain Dale proudly accepted the Queen’s Award on behalf of the company, further cementing the family’s legacy.

• Growing into an Industry Leader: Under Leonard’s leadership, Dale Electric expanded from a family-run business into one of Britain’s most respected engineering firms. A photograph of Leonard with the board of directors captures the transformation and growth achieved under his guidance. His visionary leadership inspired innovation and excellence that continue to define Dale Power Solutions.

Challenges and Triumphs

The journey to 90 years of excellence was not without its challenges. From navigating the uncertainties of wartime to adapting to peacetime economic shifts, Leonard steered the company through periods of significant change. His resilience and ability to innovate during times of adversity played a crucial role in ensuring the company’s survival and growth.

Leonard H. Dale’s Enduring Legacy

Leonard H. Dale’s influence extends far beyond the achievements of his lifetime. His values—commitment to innovation, community, and quality—remain deeply embedded in the company’s culture today. As Dale Power Solutions celebrates its 90th year, the company continues to honour Leonard’s legacy by leading the way in engineering excellence and innovation.