Tributes have been paid to Dawsongroup executive chairman Peter Dawson, who has passed away after a short illness.
The news will come with sadness to many, especially to those who have met him over the years.
Born on 19 September 1938, Peter left school aged 16 to study motor engineering and was awarded a B.Eng and went on to join the family haulage business established in 1935 by his father, which was branded as Dawsonfreight in the 1970s.
It was Peter who saw the opportunity that asset rentals provided, and in 1974 Dawsonrentals was launched.
The 1980s saw the establishment of Dawsongroup Ltd, bringing the company’s operations under a single corporate umbrella. A few years later, Peter became the sole shareholder of the group after his brothers decided to leave and establish successful businesses of their own. In 1988 he successfully floated the company on the stock market, shortly after which began the development of a new purpose-built head office in Milton Keynes, which remains the group’s head office to this day.
Under his leadership the group continued to evolve and prosper over the coming years.
By the mid 90s, having spent two years in Holland to concentrate on European expansion, Peter made the decision to delist the business, and in 2000 returned it once again to 100% family ownership.
In his role as executive chairman, Peter always held his main board to account. His commitment and tenacity, alongside his values of honesty, integrity, and humility, underlined the fundamental principles expected of all directors and managers within the group, and set the tone for the company’s high standards and levels of conduct.
Chief executive Steve Miller, who joined the company in 1986 and was appointed to the role of CEO in 2016, said: “Peter has been extremely supportive of his main board and encouraged and guided them to share his vision of the future, which has resulted in numerous successful acquisitions, setting Dawsongroup apart from its competition. Peter’s influence can also be seen in the way he insisted on strong financial discipline, which has ensured a sustainable, robust and secure business.”
Despite this success, Peter remained a modest individual who took neither success nor money for granted. His well-known quote of “Don’t count the profit until the cheque has cleared the bank” remains a corporate mantra.
Peter was also involved, along with Jackie and their children, in creating a Family Council to help with the group’s evolution and continued success.
A spokesperson from Dawsongroup said: “During this difficult time, our hearts and thoughts are with the Dawson family on their profound loss.
“We take comfort in the knowledge that Peter Dawson leaves behind a successful international business which he was incredibly proud of. Our team is committed to take the business forward and build further for the future in his memory.”
