Rags to Riches: From Council Estate to 30-Acre Mansion
Meet Chris Dawson, the self-proclaimed 'Del Boy billionaire' who grew up on a council estate and couldn't read until the age of 27. Now, at 71 years old, Dawson lives a life of luxury, complete with a £250,000 Bentley and a sprawling 30-acre mansion.
Just Like Del Boy from 'Only Fools and Horses'
Dawson likens himself to the iconic character Derek 'Del Boy' Trotter from the popular TV show 'Only Fools and Horses'. He claims to have lived a similar life full of colorful exploits and business ventures.
Controversies and Luxury Cars
Notorious for his flashy cars, Dawson owns a £250,000 Rolls-Royce Wraith coupe with the personalized number plates 'DE11 BOY' worth £35,000. However, he's faced criticism for his choice of parking spots, including blocking disabled access to his flagship store with a £200,000 Ferrari.
Saving Wilko's Brand Name
In a £5 million deal, Dawson has agreed to take on Wilko's brand name, securing the future of the brand. As part of the agreement, all Wilko stores will permanently close, but The Range, one of Dawson's successful businesses, will take over the Wilko website.
From Poverty to Billions
Dawson's journey to wealth began on the poverty-stricken council estate in Hooe, Plymouth, where he grew up with his two brothers. Despite a challenging upbringing, his drive to make money was strong. Selling ice-creams at the age of seven, taking on paper rounds, and even serving tea to builders, he hustled to make ends meet.
Building an Empire
Starting as a scrap metal dealer, Dawson made clever use of leftover materials from his school technology class, which earned him a warning from a teacher who predicted he would end up either in prison or incredibly wealthy. Embracing the world of entrepreneurship, he became a market seller and eventually opened his first The Range store in 1989. The business grew rapidly, and there are now 210 stores across the UK and Ireland.
Next Generation
Dawson's children have followed in his entrepreneurial footsteps. His daughter Lisa works as a buyer for The Range, while his son Christopher is involved in store refits. The success of the family business has allowed Dawson to expand his empire and make bold new acquisitions.
Securing Jobs and the Future
While the acquisition of Wilko's brand name will result in the closure of all physical stores, separate deals with B&M and Poundland will ensure that 122 stores employing over 3,000 staff will reopen under those names. Sadly, the majority of Wilko's workforce, totaling 12,500 employees, will lose their jobs.
Excitement and Expansion
Mr. Dawson expressed his excitement about the acquisition, stating that "These are exciting times for The Range Group." He plans to drive the business forward, expanding store openings and constructing a new 1.2 million square foot distribution center in the south of England.
