Tycoon to return with new store and 150 jobs
Rags-to-riches chain owner Chris Dawson is set to open a branch of his successful The Range stores at Threemilestone next month.
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.
Owner of The Range, Chris Dawson.
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