When Leonard Dale first decided to start out alone, he relied on connections built through his time working with skilled plumber and electrician Arthur Dill to source essential materials such as cables and fittings from G.H. Cambridge in Filey. Initially, Leonard could only repay material costs from his earnings, demonstrating resourcefulness and ingenuity during a time when money was tight.
Britain, still recovering from the worst economic crisis in its history, was prioritising the shift from DC generating plants to AC mains electricity. This transition created a demand for house wiring conversions- an opportunity Leonard was quick to seize.
Leonard’s strong links with the farming community, established through his father’s work as a dairy farmer, gave him a unique edge. He specialised in farm wiring, using his local knowledge to identify when mains electricity would reach specific villages.
Leonard proactively spread the word, distributing business cards and offering services to prepare homes for electrification. He also arranged with local retail shops to purchase fittings on behalf of his clients, going above and beyond to ensure their needs were met.
Working quickly to ensure financial viability, Leonard completed entire wiring jobs for cottages in just one day. These projects were not without challenges, as he navigated obstacles such as two-foot-thick stone walls and layers of linoleum flooring. Each job highlighted his determination and craftsmanship, which soon became hallmarks of his work.
By 1936, Leonard’s growing workload made it clear he couldn’t manage everything alone. He hired his first apprentice, Jack Ward from Filey, marking a pivotal milestone in his journey. Around this time, Doris Smithson, who would later become his wife, began assisting with finances and logistics, providing invaluable support as Leonard expanded his operations.
Source: https://cinematreasures.org/theaters/3226
While building his business, Leonard worked evenings and weekends at Filey’s Brig Cinema to save money for his wedding. Starting as an assistant projectionist, he quickly rose to the position of chief projectionist, managing screenings of cartoons, films and advertisement slides for local shopkeepers. Despite his demanding schedule, Leonard maintained his growing electrical enterprise during the day, showcasing his exceptional work ethic and dedication. When he had saved enough money to marry Doris, Leonard left the cinema to focus entirely on his business.
In May 1939, Leonard and Doris married, marking the start of a new chapter for both their personal lives and the business.
This period laid the foundation for what would eventually grow into one of Britain’s leading engineering firms. Leonard’s early years exemplify resilience, innovation, and determination- qualities that remain at the core of Dale Power Solutions to this day.
Visionary Leadership: This photograph represents Leonard’s global vision, reflecting his ability to look beyond immediate challenges and plan for the future expansion of his business. It symbolises his strategic mindset and his ambition to establish a far-reaching legacy.
A Growing Enterprise: Captured around 1947, this image showcases early Dale Electric branding on a company van, as well as Leonard’s second son, Gerald. The van is a testament to the growth of Leonard’s business and its increasing presence in the local community, laying the groundwork for the trusted Dale Power Solutions name.
Milestone Premises: An aerial view of the business’s 1946 premises highlights the transition from a small-scale operation to a more structured enterprise. This steel-framed building, which served as a factory, warehouse, repair workshop, and office, illustrates the significant progress Leonard had achieved in just over a decade.
Leonard’s journey from farm wiring to founding a thriving enterprise highlights his resourcefulness, resilience, and forward-thinking approach. Each milestone—from hiring his first apprentice to establishing dedicated premises—reflects the values that continue to define Dale Power Solutions today. As we celebrate 90 years of engineering excellence, Leonard’s story reminds us of the enduring power of determination and innovation, paving the way for future generations to build on his legacy.
