Why it matters: The couple's departure marks the end of an era for one of East Anglia's largest privately-owned family mechanical and electrical companies, which has seen consistent, fast-paced growth from a small electrical business into a multi-service group with headquarters on Bluestem Road.
The details: 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. Gary had previously run a small electrical business trading as Gary Dinsdale Electrical Services after completing his electrical installation course at college, while Fran worked as a clerical assistant at the headquarters of Eastern Electricity at Wherstead Park.
The couple launched DPL Group in 2001, initially operating from a converted onion store in Nacton Village. The company has since upgraded its offices multiple times, moving into its new headquarters on Bluestem Road last year.
What they're saying: "Failure was never an option. It was very much head down and giving 100% to everything we did," said Gary. "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."
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."
The big picture: Today, DPL Group and its sister companies offer a comprehensive range of services 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 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.
What's next: The couple will remain as company chairs at DPL, whilst CEOs James Bond and Vincent Langley, who are also shareholders, will lead the business forward.
Gary said: "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."
The bottom line: After 25 years of building DPL Group from a small electrical business into a major regional contractor, Gary and Fran Dinsdale are handing over daily operations to long-serving employees whilst remaining involved as company chairs.
