Plymouth entrepreneur receives top award

Friday 20 June 2008: One of Plymouth’s leading entrepreneurs scooped the top accolade at the South Region final of Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur Of The Year awards last night.
Chris Dawson of CDS (Superstores International) Limited fought off competition from 52 of the region’s finest business men and women to win the Entrepreneur Of The Year award in the Consumer Services category, at a glittering ceremony held at the London Hilton Metropole Hotel.
The Managing Director of a chain of out-of-town superstores, that sell home and leisure goods under the brand of ‘The Range, was described by the independent judging panel as the embodiment of true ‘entrepreneurial spirit’.
Founded in 1980, Chris Dawson has developed CDS from humble beginnings on a market stall in to an expanding chain of 33 superstores. The business continues to grow at a rate of around nine new outlets every year, with the aim of eventually becoming a 160 store chain in the UK.
Stephen Gratton, Ernst & Young’s senior partner in Exeter said: “The calibre of this year’s Entrepreneur Of The Year award finalists was higher than ever, and so it is really encouraging to see the Consumer Services award go to a Plymouth-based entry.
“The region is a hot bed for business and continues to produce some of the UK’s top entrepreneurial talent.” Continuing he added: “Chris’ success is a credit to his determination and drive to succeed. He has created a strong business, with excellent financial credentials, that continues to grow and expand. He is a very worthy award winner and I wish him the best of luck for the next stage of the awards programme.”
The South Region Entrepreneur Of The Year award winners were decided by an independent judging panel, which was chaired by Terry Burt of 2e2 Group and also included Chris Harrison of Leaders' Quest, Peter Harris of Hotel Chocolat, Clive Beharrell of Enotria Winecellars and former chairman of Fat Face, David Brownlow of Huntswood CTC Ltd, Tom Black of Detica, and Jamie Pike formerly of Foseco International Limited.
Commenting on the award winners, Terry Burt said: “Through hard work and determination, this year’s South Region Entrepreneur Of The Year award winners have built incredibly successful businesses.”
He added: “Chris Dawson embodies the spirit of a true entrepreneur; he is determined, creative, and not afraid to take risks. From humble beginnings he has developed CDS in to one of the UK’s leading businesses.”
Chris Dawson will now go through to the National Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year award finals, held in London on 6 October at The Grosvenor House Hotel, to compete with the other regional award recipients from across the UK.