John Leng joined Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) in 1963 as an engineering manager, and went on to open DEC UK in Reading in 1964. He started his working life at Harwell Atomic Energy Research Establishment on a civil service apprenticeship and went into working on nuclear power reactors. This is where he first came into contact with a DEC PDP-1 computer. When John joined DEC, his job was to introduce the PDP-5 model to Europe, and then was involved setting up a Canadian subsidiary. In 1964 DEC decided to set up DEC UK in Reading, focusing on the scientific market and original equipment manufacturing (OEM). John was tasked with finding the right place and staff. He chose premises on Reading High Street and recruited a number of staff including the first secretary Hilary Cheeke, and Geoff Shingles in sales.