Dawsongroup announces death of executive chairman Peter Dawson

Peter Dawson, the executive chairman of Dawsongroup, has passed away after suffering a short illness.

Born on September 19, 1938, the second of three sons to Edward and Judith Dawson, he joined the family haulage business established in 1935 by his father. 

Alongside his brothers, Tony and Nicholas, the business grew to more than 200 HGVs by the 1970s, making it a significant independent operator.

Instrumental in many of the company’s most successful developments, he saw the opportunity that asset rentals provided and in 1974 Dawsonrentals was launched.

The 1980s saw the establishment of Dawsongroup, thereby bringing the company’s operations under a single corporate umbrella. 

A few years later, he 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. 

With a keen eye and a personal interest in property, Dawson oversaw much of the design and detailing of the new building, which was formally opened in 1990, and which remains the group’s head office to this day.

By the mid-1990s, having spent two years in Holland to concentrate on European expansion, he made the decision to delist the business, and in 2000 returned it once again to 100% family ownership.

The company said in a statement on its website: “His passing after a short illness has affected all of us at Dawsongroup. Peter was a visionary leader and mentor, who left a lasting impact on countless lives.

“During this difficult time, our thoughts and hearts are with the Dawson family as they cope with this significant 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.”

Dawson met Jackie Moss in 1970, and the couple remained together, raising three children of their own – Rouven, Freya, and Charles. With Freya having worked at Dawsongroup for the past 13 years and now currently a main board director of Dawsongroup and director of group property. 

Fond of cars and motorsport since his early years, Dawson had took part in many races during the 1960’s, culminating in a 1965 Silverstone victory in an ex-works Austin Healey 3000. 

His obituary says: “A passion for motorsport is something both his sons have inherited, with Rouven competing in the National Championship at Santa Pod Raceway, and Charles in the British and European GT Championship.

“Throughout his life Peter remained a family man at heart, and it was undoubtedly his desire to ensure their prosperity that made him so focused on success. 

“He was never happier than with Jackie, their children, grandchildren and two cocker spaniels Inky and Paws by his side. And perhaps a cigar.”

An online book of rememberance has been opened in memory of the 86-year-old.