KEY STAFF

Karl Prosser

CHAIRMAN

Karl became Chairman in January 2023, with responsibility for the day-to-day management of the company passed to Andy Purdy, as Managing Director.

Qualified and experienced as both a (graduate) Engineer and Barrister, Karl has undertaken roles in the military, private legal practice and in senior-management.

Qualifications: Barrister, PgDip(Law), BSc(Hons-1st), AMRAeS, IEng

Colin Dales

DIRECTOR

Colin started at the company working on the shop-floor. He was Managing Director for six years from 1996 to 2003.

Colin left to study law at the University of Southampton and later qualified as a Barrister, practicing at the independent Bar.

In his spare time Colin likes road-cycling around Dorset, keeping fit and walking his working cocker spaniel, Chunky

Qualifications: Barrister, LLB(Hons-1st)

Andy Purdy

MANAGING DIRECTOR

As Managing Director, Andy is responsible for the day-to-day running of the company. His first management decision was that Dales must improve its environmental performance by achieving ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Management Systems certification by the end of 2023.

Andy joined the business as a draftsman in 1995 and has worked in numerous roles within the organisation, including Project Manager, and Technical Representative for the Midlands and North of England, before joining the management team in 2009.

Andy was invited to become Operations Director in 2014. Having been part of Dales for twenty-eight successful years, Andy was appointed Managing Director in January 2023. In 2025, Andy celebrated his 30 year anniversary with the business.

Qualifications: HND Building

Tom Strickland

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR

After graduating from university in 2002 & qualifying as a Building Surveyor, Tom started work at Dales as a junior project manager. He successfully worked his way up through the design and sales departments and was promoted to Technical Director in 2017.

Tom’s key responsibilities are overseeing the project management department and managing several major sales accounts, as well as his involvement in the continued development of the company’s key products.

Qualifications: BSc(Hons)

Kathryn Prosser

NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Kathryn joined the family business in 2014, following a 19 year career with the NHS as an RGN.

Although no longer involved in the company’s day-to-day business, Kathryn was pleased to accept the Board’s invitation in June 2024 to become a Non-Executive Director.

Qualifications: DipHE

NICOLA CHAMBERS

FINANCE DIRECTOR

Nicola began her career with Smith Cooper LLP in 2007, qualifying as a Chartered Accountant in September 2011. Nicola remained with Smith Cooper until March 2015 when she joined Dales.

The Shareholders & Board of Directors unanimously agreed to appoint Nicola as Finance Director in September 2020.

Qualifications: ACA

Mike Garrett

HEAD OF ESTIMATING

Mike joined the business in 2014, with 14 years of experience as an estimator, 7 of which were as a senior estimator.

In January 2025, Mike was promoted to Head of Estimating. Day to day, Mike is involved in reviewing enquiries, liaising with customers, costing projects, and developing & designing new products.

Mike is also our Solar Shading specialist, drawing on his wealth of knowledge and experience to collaborate in the composition and delivery of Dales CPD seminars.

Qualifications: BSc (Hons) Microbiology

James Dooling

HEAD OF TECHNICAL

James joined Dales as a Project Manager in 2008 and progressed to his current role as Head of Technical at the beginning of 2024.

James heads up the Project Management Department, overseeing and managing contracts from the initial point of order to job completion, creating CAD designs and offering technical support.

Qualifications: BSc (Hons) Product Design

David Pritchard

HEAD OF PRODUCTION

Shortly after completing his A levels, David joined the business in 2014 as an apprentice, studying Manufacturing Engineering BEng. Marking his success within the business, David progressed to his current role as Head of Production at the beginning of 2024.

Day-to-day, David’s responsibilities include leading the Production department, assigning delivery dates, producing manufacturing drawings, ordering stock & material, and training newcomers to the Production department.

Qualifications: BEng (Hons) Manufacturing Engineering

Tracy Fletcher

SALES COORDINATOR

Tracy has been part of the Dales team since 1994 and knows our products and processes inside out. Over the years, she has worked in many areas of the business, giving her a clear understanding of what it takes to keep projects running smoothly from start to finish.

Now serving as our Sales Coordinator, Tracy is often the first person our customers speak with. Her expertise helps her understand your requirements and work closely with our teams to ensure your project is managed efficiently from beginning to end.