Tycoon to return with new store and 150 jobs
AN award-winning entrepreneur who started out trading from the back of a lorry at Truro 25 years ago is returning – and bringing 150 new jobs with him.
Rags-to-riches chain owner Chris Dawson is set to open a branch of his successful The Range stores at Threemilestone next month.
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Owner of The Range, Chris Dawson.
And the outlet at the former Focus DIY store premises is due to employ about 150 local staff, having also used contractors and materials from the area in the run-up to the official launch on July 11.
Mr Dawson, now nicknamed 'Delux Delboy', said a quarter-of-a-century ago he was known locally as 'Dicky Dirt Dawson' when trading household goods and entertaining bargain-hunters from a large white lorry nearby.
He opened the first outlet in Plymouth in 1989, followed by nearly 40 around the country, and said: “We are now the fastest-growing home, leisure and garden business in Europe, but have been trying to get into Cornwall for years.
“We've letters asking when we were coming to Cornwall but could never find a site because of the rents, which are not far off those in London.
“The twist is that I used to auction just a few hundred yards from the site at Threemilestone as a market trader 25 years ago.
“And it was the best one-day's trading I used to have anywhere in the country.
“Ironically, now I'm coming back.
“It's quite a boost to the local economy and the area has been on our 'hot list' for years.”
He also praised Cornwall, Carrick District and Truro City councils for their help in getting the 33,000sq ft store up and running, adding: “You usually get nothing but hassle from local authorities, but they have been a great help and their attitude deserves recognition for encouraging investment.”
Mr Dawson has just been named southern regional winner of international accounting firm Ernst & Young's Entrepreneur of the Year, beating off competition from 52 other business leaders. He is now in the running for the national title, to be announced in October.
He said he would be happy to offer free advice to any local would-be tycoons at the opening event.
4 Comments
by Chris Dawson, Plymouth - almost Cornwall
Tuesday, July 15 2008, 5:01PM
“Friday, Saturday & Sunday - and indeed Monday - were all record days. The public were great and I met a lot of old customers and we were discussing old times.
One of many comments I had was from a nice old couple who said: I can still remember some of your spiel whilst spinning a complete dinner set - you used to frighten us all by looking at your watch and you would still catch the dinner set.
This is one of many stories that the Cornish customers reminded me of throughout the day.
It was great to talk to budding business people, young and old, male and female, during the course of the weekend. It one of the best weekends of my life, so I would like to thank all the people who made the store open on time and all the staff in Truro who now run it.
A massive thank you to all the public who turned up and who might still turn up.
Your Sincerely
P.s. I can still do the dinner set stunt when I¿m drunk”
by Sara, Truro
Saturday, June 28 2008, 4:31PM
“Points for Terry Wogan ?”
by Maurice, Bournemouth
Friday, June 27 2008, 12:10PM
“As a previous resident of Cornwall it's good to see a quality store opening there, particularly as it has local connections. There is a Range store in the town I now live and believe me it really is a great place to shop (and I'm one of those men who hates shopping!) rather like a quality Trago.”
by Robert, St.Austell
Friday, June 27 2008, 10:30AM
“Good news for a change in these difficult times. Nice to see a local boy who has made good and obviously never forgot where he has come from!!and i sincerely wish you all the very best!!
i will hopefully see you at the opening!!!”