FEATURE
A LASTING
Inspiration – the new fund is part of the legacy of former AV Dawson managing director Maurice Dawson .
LEGACY
Iconic Tees firm launches Maurice Dawson Fund to support local charities
Every leader leaves a legacy , even if it was never their intention to do so . A reflection and a lasting statement of their time within the business , this legacy undoubtedly varies from business to business and person to person , depending on their character , their overall achievements , goals and values .
AV Dawson , owner and operator of Port of Middlesbrough , is one of the largest family businesses in the Teesside region . Over its 83-year history , the firm has had three prominent figureheads at the helm , with “ Vernie ”, Maurice and now grandson Gary leading the port and logistics business .
The Dawson story is well known and engrained in Teesside history , with each generation driving the business forward and developing its culture .
Now the business has paid homage to one of its former leaders by setting up a charitable fund in his name . Named after managing director Gary Dawson ’ s late father , the Maurice Dawson Fund has been established to mark his commitment to Teesside and further cement his legacy .
Maurice joined AV Dawson at the tender age of 15 , completing an apprenticeship as a diesel fitter in the workshops . He also spent several years as a long-distance lorry driver before he became joint managing director alongside his mother , Eleanor .
Gary commented : “ Maurice was a well-respected member of the Teesside business community and believed in investing in his employees and supporting
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