About the Business
Dales Fabrications, based in Ilkeston, Derbyshire, has been a trusted name in the design and manufacture of aluminium building products since the business was founded by Frank Dales in 1977. Now run by four working directors, Colin Dales, Andy Purdy, Nicola Chambers, and Tom Strickland.
The company boasts a dedicated team of 39 employees, with over half bringing more than a decade of expertise and commitment to their roles. Dales Fabrications specialises in producing eaves systems, solar shading, copings, and rainscreen cladding, and offers a comprehensive design service at no additional cost. The business is ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001 accredited, reflecting its commitment to quality and sustainability.
Challenges Faced
Although very experienced in their field, the Dales Fabrications team had limited experience in networking with other businesses in the region. Recognising that fostering connections with other manufacturers and stakeholders in the area may help them understand more about potential support for the business, Managing Director Andy Purdy and Finance Director Nicola Chambers joined the East Midlands Manufacturing Network (EMMN) when the Derby group started in 2022.
The solution and Impact
Dales Fabrications has actively engaged with EMMN through regular attendance at Derby forums and the regional meeting. Both Andy and Nicola find value in attending these meetings together, using them as a platform to exchange ideas and reflect on business strategies.
Through these meetings, the team built trusted connections, including a representative from Derby College who helped them identify tailored apprenticeship programs and supported recruitment efforts. Additionally, Nicola learned about Erewash Council’s R&D grant opportunity through EMMN, which has resulted in significant funding for new capital equipment.
The company has also benefited from attending Accelerator training workshops and webinars, which have enhanced leadership, management, HR practices, and sustainability efforts across the business.
As Chamber members, Dales Fabrications has utilised various business services provided to members, further bolstering their operations.
Showcasing Success
and Building Connections through East Midlands Chamber
Dales Fabrications has greatly benefited from its involvement with EMMN, which has provided valuable opportunities for peer learning, building trusted connections, upskilling, and access to a variety of external support initiatives.
Dales Fabrications’ proactive approach to networking and leveraging EMMN’s support has strengthened their business capabilities, from workforce development to securing funding for growth. With a focus on innovation, customer satisfaction, and staff retention, the company is poised to continue thriving as a leading manufacturer in the East Midlands.
“We’ve found the access that EMMN gives us to like-minded individuals and other expertise invaluable. As manufacturers we all face very similar challenges and it’s great to be able to get around the table and discuss them openly with individuals who may have already experienced similar issues and it gives us a great shortcut to best practise. In addition to other manufacturers, there’s generally representatives of local authority and they give us some excellent advice and opportunities for funding and training that we perhaps otherwise wouldn’t even know existed.”
Andy Purdy
Managing Director