27/05/2026
Last Friday, we celebrated a huge milestone at Dales as we wished Mick Howard a very happy retirement after an incredible 43 years with the company 🙌
Mick joined the business back in December 1983 on a Youth Training Scheme, at a time when the world looked very different. Smart phones were the stuff of science fiction, AutoCAD had only just arrived on the scene, and producing an estimate meant blueprints, a scale rule, a highlighter pen, and a calculator. It’s a world almost unrecognisable today, and Mick lived and worked through every step of the transformations since.
Over the years, Mick built a career as varied as it was impressive. He began as a factory operative before moving into our PPC paint plant. From there, he headed to the former Cossall site, operating press brakes during the plastisol flashings era and eventually becoming Foreman. When Cossall closed, Mick returned to Crompton Road, later joining the estimating department – where many of us came to know him best. Celebrating 40 years with the company in December 2023, Mick became a ‘part of the furniture’ at Dales and a familiar, friendly face for colleagues and customers alike.
Outside of work, Mick dedicated years to coaching swimming, achieving remarkable success along the way. His talent and commitment even earned him the opportunity to coach at a college in the United States, an opportunity he chose not to pursue so he could remain close to his family. Safe to say, America’s loss was very much our gain.
Over four decades, Mick saw colleagues come and go, technology transform the industry, and the business navigate recessions and booms alike. Through all of it, what never changed was his loyalty, his reliability, and his genuine willingness to help.
Mick, your retirement is richly deserved. From everyone at Dales, thank you for your hard work, your friendship, and for everything you’ve contributed across the last four decades. You will be missed, but we wish you a very long, happy and healthy retirement with plenty of good day’s fishing ahead! 🎣
