Celebrating 25 Years in Fire & Safety UK: The Journey of Dale Edmonds, Our Customer Since the Beginning

Lessons to Guide Your Path

Loving husband and doting father of four daughters and 10 grandchildren, Dale Edmonds, the founder of Fire & Safety Services UK, is celebrating 25 years in the industry this October. Dale’s journey in fire & safety UK has been marked by determination, transformation, and a relentless commitment to customer service. 

This is a story that is sure to provide invaluable life lessons and wisdom that can help in your personal journey.

From Doubt to Determination

Dale remembers the early days of Fire & Safety Services (UK) vividly, often questioning, “Why am I doing this?” Starting out as a sales manager for a fire safety UK company, Dale ventured out to establish his own business. Word spread quickly, and many customers from his previous role trusted him with their business, ranging from small local garages to large internationally respected companies. “To this day, we still do business with several of them,” Dale proudly states.

A Career Path Shaped in Service

Dale’s career began right after his schooling years as a trainee diver based in Barry Docks. Reflecting on his early career, Dale recalls:

“I finished school on a Friday with not much more than a cycling proficiency badge and started work on Monday as a trainee diver at Barry Docks. The job did not quite meet my expectations, and 18 months later, I found myself in the RAF recruiting office in Cardiff. On a cold February day in 1978, the train for Newark left with me onboard.”

After graduating and completing fire fighting training, Dale’s first posting was at RAF St Athan, just six miles from his hometown. 

“Eight years and several postings later, including RAF Ascension Islands, I decided it was time to settle down. Persistent as ever, I pestered a local company until they agreed to take me on a month’s trial, where I could use my skill set in the fire safety UK sector. I lasted 13 years before realising I needed to make the big decisions for myself and take the leap to open my own business.”

Customer Focused Approach in UK Fire Safety

“Fire and safety has been my life for over 40 years now,” says Dale. 

Since opening Fire & Safety Services (UK), his mantra has always been to prioritise his customers’ needs. This customer-focused approach has driven significant growth, enabling his business to expand its clientele to include major organisations and diverse clients worldwide.

“I supply a number of departments within the United Nations with various equipment and supplies. Although I’ve never wanted a large company, deliberately keeping it small with a maximum of four staff members for many years, the team is now down to just two. For many of my customers, I am a one-stop shop, providing everything from road marking crayons and generators to translation services if needed.”

Commitment to Regular Training

Being in the UK fire safety industry for so long means Dale regularly attends the Fire Service College to update his skills and knowledge. This commitment to continuous learning helps him maintain a strong reputation with both customers and suppliers, which he considers vital in his trade.

Choosing Masons Self Storage for 25 Years

With advice from experienced business owners, Dale decided to base his operations in Barry. Given his location, choosing Masons Self Storage, the leaders in self storage in Barry, was a straightforward decision to meet all his business storage needs.

“Choosing Masons Self Storage was an easy decision. I sat down with Gordon Mason, the company’s Director, and within 10 minutes, I had the perfect storage facilities with easy 24/7 access and everything I needed on my doorstep. Twenty-five years later, I am still there.”

Growing Together 

Yes, you read that right—Dale has been with us for 25 years, ever since his business opened in 1999! We essentially grew alongside him. He’s witnessed our journey from a promising family business, expanding from Masons Removals, the experts in home and office removals for over a century, to becoming the undeniable leaders in self storage Barry. We’ve transformed into a company that provides flexible and secure storage units for homeowners, businesses, and students throughout the Vale of Glamorgan, continuously diversifying the types of storage we offer.

“Enjoying Life Is My Main Goal”

Married for 43 years and a father of four grown-up daughters and 10 grandchildren, Dale’s family life keeps him busy outside of work. 

“Enjoying life is my main goal, whether it’s a family garden party, a cruise with my wife Michele, or just a couple of pints on the weekend. Music also plays a big part in my life, and we support live music at many venues in and around Barry.”

Another passion for Dale is fundraising for good causes, particularly supporting Woody’s Lodge, an outstanding organisation for Welsh veterans in need. 

“From quizzes to a Boxing Day swim, we try to carry out two fundraisers a year. I know the Masons Group are big supporters of the same charity.”

Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Looking back on his journey, Dale offers timeless advice, most of it he received from his grandmother 50+ years ago.

– Don’t be afraid to make mistakes; only those who do nothing make none.

– Treat everyone as you would like to be treated.

– Don’t be afraid to say no.

– If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.

– We have two ears and one mouth; use them in that proportion. Listening is vital in business and family life.

– Do what you’re best at, and let others help with what you struggle with.

– Fair winds do not make a good sailor. Accept the challenges; you’ll appreciate the lessons further down the line.

A Legacy of Commitment: Dale Edmonds and Masons Self Storage

Dale Edmonds’ journey in UK fire & safety highlights the importance of staying true to one’s values. As he celebrates 25 years in the industry, his story inspires and reminds us of the impact of hard work, a customer-focused approach, and giving back to causes important to us. 

For over 20 years, Dale has relied on us for all his storage space needs, witnessing our transformation from a new facility into one that caters to every type of client decades later. Like Dale, we adopt a client-centric approach, evident in our wide range of offerings, from secure self storage units to convenient container storage. We’ve made the process of moving your belongings as easy as possible, providing three hassle-free ways to transport your items without needing to hire a moving van. Our team will come to your door, expertly pack your belongings, and safely deliver them to your designated storage unit.

We offer even more to simplify your life, including an online store for all your packing supplies and secure shredding services for your confidential documents. And alongside Masons Removals, we take care of all your storage and removal needs. It’s everything you need in one place!