Dawn Gibbins MBE is a global businesswoman for services to manufacturing; and a keen philanthropist and visionary speaker.
From picking peaches barefoot in France as a carefree teenager to becoming a keen philanthropist and visionary speaker, Dawn Gibbins journey has been a memorable one.
Dawn started Flowcrete in 1982 in South Cheshire with her late father, Peter Gibbins, and oversaw its growth to become a global market leader in commercial and industrial flooring, with 30 offices worldwide and 12 manufacturing sites of excellence in the UK and across the world.
During her time at Flowcrete, Dawn has collected many accolades including: the Veuve Clicquot Business Woman of the Year award, she was voted the most influential person in UK manufacturing and was awarded an MBE for her services to industry. In 2004, she was also made a 'Pioneer to the Life of our Nation' by Her Majesty the Queen.
After selling Flowcrete to the New York Stock Exchange listed company RPM in 2008, Dawn turned her energy and passion to found social enterprise, Congleton Beartown Ltd, which embraces a harmonious blend of Dawn's commercial background, her passion for making a difference, and commitment to sustainability and 'putting something back' by reinvigorating her home town.
In 2009, Dawn witnessed the extent of poverty in the UK as part of the undercover series "Secret Millionaire" – an experience which led her to start up The Barefoot Foundation in 2010 which aims to support those most in need.
Between 2008 and 2012, she became a Branding and Marketing Consultant at the Congleton Community Partnership C.I.C.. During which she lead a team to create Bearmania, a cultural arts festival collaborating with schools, businesses, charities and artists to symbolise the history of bears and Congleton.
In 2019, she became Director of Healthy Happy Homes LTD; providing home and business vibe consultants.
Dawn has always been a keen volunteer both in the UK and abroad. From sponsoring and judging the North West Young Enterprise Awards, to working in a Nepalese orphanage, giving something back has always been something close to her heart.
Dawn now lives in Congleton and has two children, Michelle and April.
The award of Honorary Doctor of Staffordshire University is bestowed upon Dawn in recognition of her notable achievements as a global businesswoman; for services to manufacturing; and as a keen philanthropist and visionary speaker.