Dransfields turns 80: A Proud Heritage, An Exciting Future

Dransfields turns 80: A Proud Heritage, An Exciting Future

For one afternoon only - what a great party!

On Friday, 25 September, the Dransfields Head Office was transformed into a party venue with bunting, balloons and plenty of bubbles to fill the glasses in celebration of an incredible 80 year birthday. 
Dransfields have made history, paving the way to becoming the oldest and largest British-owned UK supplier of gaming machines and entertainment products to pubs and clubs. Our incredible team have been instrumental in our success over the years so an afternoon of celebration, laughter and sharing memories was the order of the day.

Peter Davies, Managing Director, opened the event introducing Chris Haley, Group Chairman, to deliver a sometimes emotional speech with bringing a wonderful reflection of the incredible Dransfield’s story. This was made even more poignant with Robert Dransfield, son Grandson of Jack Harry Dransfield, the founder of the Company watching on. 

Who would have thought, from the moment Harry Dransfields had acquired a single a “one armed bandit”  in his possession in the 1940s, that the Company would go on to become such a force to be reckoned with, a powerhouse of the industry. From the latest digital gaming machines using state-of-the-art technology to the exciting entertainment experiences of Dart Shark and the Spotlight system, Dransfields provide the best entertainment to enhance any venue, clubs, pubs and bars.

It goes without saying the entertainment for the afternoon was the best, including BeBop music Bingo, Karaoke, Pool and a whole host of activity in celebration, there were prizes too of the past 80 years. The bubbles continued to flow and there was a tasty hog roast, plenty of food, including the a Dransfields 80th birthday cake, plenty of sparkly cup cakes and prizes to make it a special event.

Pool professionals. Clint l’anson and Connor Jones were there to showcase their skills and to take on any challengers in the dedicated Pool area.

Dransfields have always been a frontrunner in the industry inventing the Nudge that revolutionised machines when launched. 

Since acquiring Reflex Gaming in 2019  - the UK’s largest independent machine operator manufacturer and in 2025 Crystal & Son, supplying club and fundraising products, things go from strength to strength. Our reputation as a trusted supplier remains, providing all that is needed, a whole range of products to help any customer venues thrive. 

However, as Chris pointed out in his speech, Dransfields go above and beyond offer more than machines. A great example of this is In when back in 2009 when Chris Haley mounted a legal challenge to HMRC to protect clubs facing closure due to retrospective taxation demands. From start to finish, the legal challenge took almost over five years but resulted in a victory for clubs of which Chris is justifiably very proud.

We can’t wait to see what the next 80 years bring! We are certainly not going to rest on our laurels and are already planning ahead. We are already have commenced the supplying of fridges, glass washers and ice machines white goods to venues and 2027 will be seeing see the official launch of Dart Shark 180 and 180 Tournament for the Darts Professionals and serious Darts players at your venue. 

Dransfields are proud to be British-owned and continue to be 100% customer focused providing all the gaming machines and entertainment for venues to increasing footfall and profits at the bar for venues.. 

Thank you to the amazing nationwide been a part of this incredible journey so far. Here’s to the next chapter!