Chris Dawson (businessman)
Christopher Frederick Dawson | |
|---|---|
| Born | February 15, 1952 Plymouth, Devon, England |
| Occupation(s) | Entrepreneur, businessman |
| Years active | 1989–present |
| Known for | Founder and executive chairman of CDS Superstores (The Range, Wilko) |
Christopher Frederick Dawson (born 15 February 1952) is a British billionaire entrepreneur, founder and executive chairman of CDS Superstores, operating under the brands The Range and Wilko.
In September 2023, CDS acquired the intellectual property rights of Wilko, followed by the purchase of 49 Homebase outlets and its associated intellectual property in November 2024. Ownership ultimately resides with Dawson's wife, a resident of Jersey, which provides substantial tax advantages compared to residing in the UK.
Early life
Born in Plymouth, Devon, Dawson is the son of a market trader. He attended Hooe Primary School and Plymstock School but faced challenges due to dyslexia and left formal education at age 15 with minimal qualifications. Later in life, he returned to Hooe Primary School to engage students through business education initiatives.
Career
Dawson started his professional journey as a market trader in Plymouth, initially selling seafood alongside his father before expanding into perfume and jewellery sales.
In 1989, he established Chris Dawson Superstores with an initial location at Sugar Mill Business Park. The enterprise developed into The Range brand, launching its first 'The Range Home, Garden & Leisure' store in Cardiff in 2000. Dawson subsequently acquired ownership of the business park hosting this flagship store. Between 2003 and 2012, The Range featured on The Sunday Times Top Track 250 list, reaching as high as 48th place. By 2015, the chain comprised approximately 100 stores, all under Dawson’s direct ownership.
In April 2019, Dawson transferred his shares to his wife Sarah Dawson, who lives in Jersey for tax efficiency.
Currently, he manages a portfolio of 256 stores under The Range banner and holds ownership of both Wilko and Homebase brands.
His company CDS Superstores International also launched CDS Group Services, a shopfitting enterprise serving clients such as Lego, Lush Cosmetics, Levi's, and The Range itself. In 2012, CDS Group Services was ranked twelfth in the Real Business Hot 100 Companies list.
Awards and recognition
Dawson acted as an ambassador for Channel 4’s Jobs Report in 2012 and was awarded Ernst & Young’s Overall Entrepreneur of the Year in 2011. That same year, he provided counsel to Prime Minister David Cameron on issues related to business expansion. He appeared on BBC Radio Devon in 2012 and was featured in the television series Peter Jones Meets in 2013.
By 2013, the valuation of Dawson’s enterprises was estimated at around £585 million. His business interests have diversified into sectors including property development, dry cleaning services, manufacturing, and waste management.
The Sunday Times Rich List estimated his net worth at £1.65 billion in 2015, which increased to nearly £2 billion by March 2017.
From 2019 through 2024, both Dawson and his wife consistently ranked among the top 100 highest taxpayers according to the Sunday Times Tax List.
Personal life
Residing in Plymouth with his wife Sarah and their two children—both involved in The Range family business—Dawson’s family wealth was assessed at £2.25 billion by the Sunday Times Rich List in 2022, reflecting a £200 million increase from the previous year.
He owns a yellow Lamborghini Urus bearing the personalized registration "DE11 BOY," inspired by the fictional character Del Boy Trotter, which has earned him media recognition as the "del boy billionaire." Additionally, he possesses an orange Lamborghini Revuelto with the registration "DAW 50N," referencing his surname.