Peterborough drainage specialists Dalrod celebrate 35th anniversary

Dalrod, based in Welbeck Way, Woodston, began life operating from the Peterborough home of its founders Walter Lane and Margaret Lane.

Today, it runs out of a large head office in the city, employs more than 50 staff and has a growing fleet of vans, tankers and CCTV drain survey units.

It has 16 service centres and additional arms to the business in the form of Dalpest and Dalpumps - all part of the DAL Group.

In 1987, Walter’s son Dave Lane and his wife Jo Lane joined the company and both worked their way up through all roles in the office and out on site to become directors. They are also owners of Peterborough Phantoms Ice Hockey Club.

As it celebrates the new milestone, the company is looking to a bright future after the Covid lockdown.

Managing director Dave Lane said: “We’ve gone through trying times as a business, with the Covid-19 pandemic having a big impact on the vast majority of companies around the country.

“Like most businesses, we had to furlough staff for health and financial reasons and have had to change our processes both on the road and in our offices to keep in line with the government’s guidelines.

“As we return to normal, I’m very excited at the challenge of getting everything back on track and working towards success across the business.

He added: “Today’s a very special day for us as 35 years ago on July 15, 1985, my late parents, Walter and Margaret, set up Dalrod.

“I was in my last year of school and I probably didn’t realise the time, hard work and commitment my parents had to put into the business.

“They set our values and our standards, and these are some of the same values and standards that we work with today.

“I’ve had the pleasure of working with some great people along the way all have had a great part to play in our success.

“Today we employ over 50 staff across our three groups and we have an established network of franchisees across the country.

“I’d personally like to thank all our staff, franchisees and supplies, who have all played their part in building Dalrod over the past 35 years.

“I’d like to thank my wife, Jo, who’s played a massive part in supporting me in building the brand.

“If you’re a client of ours, past or present, I’d like to thank you for your continued support and for trusting in Dalrod over the past 35 years.”