Have them persist with the rather excellent DH.77 monoplane fighter - which OTL lost out to the Hawker Fury (the biplane) - instead of abandoning military aircraft development in 1930 (following the loss to Hawkers) - addresses the lower power issue with an earlier incorporation of the Halfords Dagger Engine and in 1933 present the 'establishment' with a slightly larger version of the DH.77 but with an engine developing over twice the power.
This basically keeps them in the military game during the 30s
Another idea that could run concurrently is that - following pressure from HMG De Havilland merges with another company - such as Gloster's (who had designed the DH.77) and together they continually improve through innovation etc their monoplane fighter design to the point where they can compete with Vickers/Supermarine and Hawkers in the late 30s
Subsequant development includes early jet fighters....
Excellent idea, the more refined, more powerful and a bit bigger DH.77. Unfortunately, the Dagger was 1st run in 1934.
So, maybe smething like this: In 1933-34, Gloster and DH came out with a 640 HP Kestrel-powered cantilever-monoplane, chin radiator, it sports non-retractable U/C as the Gladiator did. Closed cockpit. RAF accepts it, it is named Gladiator Mk.1 (doh). Four MGs, 260 mph. Production starts in 1935, DH for RAF, Gloster for abroad. Bought by RAF, Yugoslavia, Norway, Portugal, Spain.
The Mk.2 sports the 750 HP Dagger, Mk.3 is with 745 HP Kestrel. Costumers, whether for both or for one version, are RAF, Yugoslavia (plus licence production), Greece. 275 mph, Dagger version a bit slower.
Mk.4: from that mark on, the ALT Gladiator sports retractable U/C. 290 mph for the Mk.5, exported to Belgium, Greece, Finland and Norway. Yugoslavia - license production.
Mk.5 is with re-designed internals, improvements and strengthening (applies for subsequent types). RR Merlin III, 8 MGs, radiators in front of the wings, 100 imp gals of fuel. 350 mph as prototype, 360 mph with better exhausts. Initially (1939-40) only for RAF, DH production.
Mk.6 - similar to the Mk.5, but with Dagger of 1000 HP, 320 mph, Gloster production.
A knock-on effect is that Yugoslavia, Greece and Norway can got Hurricane easier and in greater numbers than per OTL. FAA can get Sea Hurricane earlier.
(more later)
In addition De Havillands civilian aircraft such as the Albatross form both a core of early war Long range Transport and LRMP aircraft as well as the obvious Mossie design they also produce a larger 4 engine 'mossie' that like the Mossie uses a Ply wooden construction to produce a 'for its time' very fast heavy bomber that was later adapted to carry Barnes wallis's 'earth quake' bomb.
Hmm - a 'big Albatros' with Merlins, high wing, 4-5 crew members?
How do we avoid the strange aversion to the Griffon Engine?
This is alternate history site, I'm sure that we can find use for excellent engines here
