Dawsongroup has announced that its executive chairman Peter Dawson has passed away after a short illness.

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

He left school at the age of 16 to study motor engineering and then went to work for the family transport company founded by his father in 1935.

The company expanded until its fleet exceeded 200 trucks in 1970, making it a major independent operator.

Dawson then saw the opportunity that asset rental offered and in 1974 Dawsonrentals was launched.

Dawsongroup followed suit in the 1980s, bringing the company’s operations under one corporate umbrella.

A few years later, he became the sole shareholder after his brothers decided to leave and start their own successful companies. In 1988, Dawson successfully took the company public.

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

In the mid-1990s, after spending two years in the Netherlands to focus on European expansion, Dawson decided to take the company private and in 2000 it returned to 100% family ownership.

In his role as chairman of the board, he has always held his general management accountable.

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.

CEO Steve Millar, who joined the company in 1986, said: “Peter has provided tremendous support to his senior management, encouraging and guiding them to share his vision of the future, which has resulted in numerous successful acquisitions, setting Dawsongroup apart from the rest companies. competition.

“Peter’s influence can also be seen in the way he pushed for strong financial discipline, which has created a sustainable, robust and secure business.”

Despite his success, Dawson remained humble and did not take success and money for granted.

His famous statement, “Don’t count the profit until the check clears the bank,” remains a business mantra.

He was also involved, along with Jackie and their children, in establishing a family council to assist in the evolution and continued success of the group.

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

“During this difficult time, our hearts and thoughts are with the Dawson family at their profound loss.

“We take comfort in knowing that Peter Dawson leaves behind a successful international company of which he was incredibly proud.”