First generation Bill Tilley began his career in the industry in 1931 as an apprentice draughtsman with Carter Horsley Engineers Newcastle, who supplied and installed steel structures and industrial roofing and cladding, before D W Tilley (Newcastle) Ltd and D W Tilley (Engineers) Ltd were established in 1968 and successfully run by himself and his wife, Winifred Tilley where they were both heavily involved in the day to day operations and management of the business.