Dawsongroup announces passing of chairman Peter Dawson

Born on 19 September 1938 and the second of three sons, Dawson was raised in Leighton Buzzard and grew up in a happy family home, albeit beneath the cloud of war still raging in Europe.

He left school at 16 to study motor engineering and then joined the family haulage firm established by his father in 1935.

The business expanded until, by 1970, its operating fleet included over 200 HGVs, making it a significant independent operator.

Dawson then saw the opportunity that asset rentals provided and in 1974 Dawsonrentals was launched.

Dawsongroup followed in the 1980s and brought the company’s operations under a single corporate umbrella.

A few years later he became the sole shareholder after his brothers decided to leave and establish successful businesses of their own and in 1988 Dawson successfully floated the company on the stock market.

Shortly afterwards work began on a new purpose-built head office in Milton Keynes and Dawson oversaw much of the design and detailing of the new building, which formally opened in 1990.

By the mid-90s, having spent two years in Holland concentrating on European expansion, Dawson chose to delist the business and in 2000 it returned to 100% family ownership.

In his role as executive chairman, he 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 directors and managers within the group and set the tone for the company’s high standards and levels of conduct.

Chief executive Steve Millar, who joined the company in 1986, 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 his success, Dawson remained modest and 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.

He was also involved, along with Jackie and their children, in creating a family council to help with the group’s evolution and continued success.

In a statement, Dawsongroup said: “We appreciate this news will come with sadness to many, especially to those who have met him over the years.

“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.”