Fitting tribute to inspirational leader behind local commercial fit-out specialists

Last year, office fit-out, design and refurbishment specialists DSP (Interiors) Ltd sadly lost its managing director Andy Priestley, a man who had been the driving force of the Derby-based company for over 30 years. He was a special part of the Marketing Derby Bondholder community – of which DSP has been part of for the past 11 years – and will always be greatly missed. Andy’s wife Louisa has now taken up the reins of the business – continuing what he started – working alongside daughter Olivia, the company’s marketing director. Here, in her own words, Olivia pays tribute to her father’s legacy – and shares tributes from clients and colleagues.

In June 2024, my family lost a truly remarkable man – my dad, Andy Priestley.

He was not only a loving father to me and my brothers, a devoted husband to my mum, Louisa Priestley, and a dear friend to so many, but he was also a cornerstone of DSP (Interiors) Ltd.

This left both us and his second family, the DSP team, heartbroken.

For over 30 years he had been the driving force of the Derby-based company, specialising in office fit-out, design and refurbishment; many of the team had worked alongside him from the start.

As my family and the DSP team proudly continue his legacy, I’d like to take this moment to honour his incredible inspiration to our lives.

Dad’s journey with DSP Interiors began in 1988, but it wasn’t a straightforward path to success.

From the start he saw the company’s potential and knew he wanted to play a bigger role in shaping its future.

Determined to invest in what he truly believed in; he worked relentlessly to raise the funds to buy into the company. In 1992, after years of hard work he finally achieved his goal.

He spent the next three decades creating not just a successful business but a reputation for excellence across Derby and the East Midlands.

Under his leadership, the company grew into a trusted name, known for delivering exceptional service and outstanding results on every project.

Anyone who knew him knows he never did anything by halves. For him DSP Interiors was more than just a career – it was his passion.

From the moment he became a key part of the company, he poured everything into making it one of the most respected names in the industry.

With the support of his dedicated team, he built a vast clientele. Some of the companies he worked for include Rolls-Royce, Bombardier (now Alstom), SureScreen Diagnostics, Ward Recycling, AMS Hayley and Charterspace and KTM Motorsports – to name just a few.

With every successful project the team gained more experience and expertise, which led to DSP Interiors becoming an award-winning company – but that part of the story comes later.

I’ve always known that dad was an expert in his field and was highly respected, but after starting at DSP full-time in September 2024, it’s now crystal clear that it was his meticulous attention to detail, commitment to quality, and genuine care for his clients that defined his career and earned him the respect of many across the East Midlands.

In testimonials, clients reference how impressed they were that as the ‘top-man’ he was often on-site and I think that gives a good insight into the person he was – genuine, passionate, driven.

I think there’s much to be said about how his personality shone through into his work, because as a father he was always the one to make us laugh and had a great view of enjoying life and making people happy.

So, it doesn’t surprise me to hear his success stories in the business world. Here’s what some of our clients had to say about him:

Jennifer Chambers, head of operations at SureScreen Diagnostics, said: “Andy was a hardworking, dedicated visionary who had an art of getting a concept spot on.

“His attention to detail and his ability to understand the vast needs of our business meant his input was crucial in a critical time for SureScreen.

“He was always there to guide and offer his vast expertise on any idea we had and was a constant support through trying times.

“His humour, charm, story-telling and sheer determination made him a part of the SureScreen team. He is truly missed.”

Paul Landa, managing director at Charterspace, said: “I first met Andy about 15 years ago, and over the years, we’ve collaborated on numerous projects.

“Andy consistently impressed me with his deep knowledge, extensive experience and innovative ideas.

“His company has completed a significant amount of work for us, earning our trust and becoming a reliable partner.

“This trust has led to DSP being awarded several contracts with our business.

“Now that Charterspace has acquired new sites, we look forward to continuing to build on the strong foundation Andy has established.”

Dad’s innovative approach and ability to transform a blank canvas into an inspiring space led to the company receiving multiple accolades in the industry.

The following year, in 2018, DSP Interiors was honoured with the Silver Award for its contemporary, industry style fit-out of Robinsons Structures at Eagle Park, in Derby.

In 2017, DSP Interiors won the UK Interior Fit-Out Project of the Year (Under £1m) Gold Award for its exceptional work in transforming two commercial units in Northamptonshire into the new UK headquarters for KTM Sport motorcycles UK.

Most recently, DSP Interiors was shortlisted in 2023 for its incredible work for SureScreen, a leading manufacturer of lateral flow tests, diagnostic testing kits and screening equipment.

The new agile offices in Nottinghamshire showcased the ability to design and fit-out innovative, cutting-edge workspaces tailored to a client’s specific needs.

Dad always believed in going beyond client expectations, ensuring that every project they undertook not only met but exceeded industry standards. I think that’s why the DSP team have developed such a strong and focused mindset over the years and it’s not difficult to spot the passion and pride that each person in the team has for their work.

Here’s what some of dad’s colleagues had to say about him:

Aaron Buchan, design director at DSP Interiors, said: “I worked with Andy for over 20 years and in that time, he proved to be a formidable boss, mentor and friend.

“I worked closely with Andy to help deliver numerous varied and exciting projects.

“At times things could get ‘heated’ due to the high-pressure environment of contracts but we could always openly ‘voice’ our opinions with mutual respect.

“Andy’s ability to analyse a client’s needs, translate that to the team and take control of a project was second-to-none.

“His attention to detail was incredible and if it wasn’t quite right, it would have to be redone until it was correct.

“On site everyone knew who was in charge, and it wasn’t just because Andy was the boss but completely out of respect.

“Andy was extremely hands on, so much so that in recent years he gained his SMSTS qualification to fully run sites.

“He led from the front and had big shoulders to carry it. I have so many good memories with Andy, many of which may have involved a drink or three, but that’s another story.

“Some stand out memories are from our trips to the FIS Awards in London. Andy was so chuffed that DSP received two FIS Awards and being shortlisted for another, even though it often involved missing our trains!

“The awards are a testament to the dedication and high quality of work Andy was able to deliver.

“I owe a lot to AP and will miss him greatly as a boss but even more as a friend and mentor.

“He would be so proud that his legacy lives on through his family taking the reins of the business.”

Ian Stone, projects manager at DSP Interiors, said: “I first met Andy in 1991 when I started at DSP.

“Throughout the many years I have worked with Andy, although he was my boss he became more of a friend.

“His dedication to work was second-to-none and at times it could be hard to keep up with him as his attention to detail became outstanding.

“His awareness of customers’ needs was the best you could ask for and nothing was too much trouble.

“As an employee I have enjoyed working with Andy. Although at times it could get a little hectic, you always knew that he would have your back and everything covered.

“I have nothing but admiration for Andy, especially in the later years, for the way he handled some of the larger projects. It was a pleasure knowing and working with Andy.”

Beyond his professional accomplishments, dad’s greatest joy was his family.

Whether it was a walk through the beautiful Derbyshire Dales or Scottish Highlands with mum, or an adventure with me and the boys – which often involved a trip to the pub for a drink and a few rounds of cards – he truly treasured every moment spent with us.

But what also always inspired me was how dad made time for the things that brought him joy besides family and work.

He cycled the Coast-to-Coast route in a day back in 2016 and always made time to go fishing on the Derbyshire Wye, sending just about everybody pictures of the brown trout he would catch.

I’ve learned from him that these ways of recharging and staying healthy are important if you want to be successful in your work.

Anyone who knew dad knew he was also an incredibly sociable person who would go above and beyond for his friends and family.

I have so many fond memories of the parties and events we hosted or attended – dad often being the life of the party!

Whether it was work, family, friends or social gatherings, he loved meeting people and valued the time spent together, always ensuring everyone was having a great time.

This was especially true at his renowned bonfire night celebrations, summer BBQ’s and birthday parties – including mine and my brother’s birthday parties over the years.

I’d often find mum and dad up front by the speakers, showing all my friends how to party properly.

But more than anything, he inspired me every day – not just by being unapologetically himself, but by showing me and my brothers that when you have a balance of friends, family and a passion for your work, you truly don’t need anything else.

It’s safe to say that dad knew how to throw a great party, but more importantly he knew how to truly enjoy himself and unwind from the working week.

He loved celebrating with friends at weddings and parties, always making the most of those moments.

The guys in the office often share stories about their times with dad over the years and the truth is, dad never really needed to separate his work and personal life – the team were his friends too.

That’s why the office has been such a comforting place for me over the past few months – being surrounded by people who admire him just as much as I do.

Losing him so suddenly has been devastating, but as a family we are committed to continuing his incredible work.

Mum has taken the helm as managing director, I have joined as marketing director, Harrison has started an apprenticeship to learn the craft on-site and Mason is continuing his second year studying Chemical Engineering at Sheffield University.

We are all determined to uphold the values and standards dad instilled in the business and, above all, make him proud.

Dad made a lasting impact on Derby’s business community. He set high standards in everything he did, and we intend to carry that forward.

DSP Interiors will keep delivering the exceptional service its known for and we’ll continue to grow with the same drive and commitment he had.

His influence is still very much present in everything we do, and that won’t change.

*To find out more about DSP Interiors visit https://www.dsp-solutions.co.uk/.