After many years as an entrepreneur – Dawn has recently changed focus in her life. With a keen interest in Philanthropy – Dawn saw an opportunity to combine her previous business acumen with her desire to put something back – and so was born the phrase ‘Philanthropreneur’. 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.

Recently, Dawn has been on a personal journey that has taken her to some of the most deprived areas in the UK and abroad. This led Dawn to set-up The Barefoot Foundation – a charity focusing on eradicating poverty and abuse in the UK. Whilst volunteering – Dawn met some amazingly inspirational people. Until this point – Dawn had found the likes of Richard Branson inspirational – but this all changed when she met people who were solely focused on giving something back and inspiring others in the process.

Dawn has the spirit, passion and above all the will to succeed in everything. Her family crest has an insignia engraved on it in Latin that reads, Nitor Doner Supero. This translates as ‘ I strive until I overcome’ which in no small part sums up this remarkable giving lady.

Dawn in business

The daughter of the great British inventor, Peter Gibbins, the inventor of seamless resin flooring who after an early bohemian backpacking lifestyle, set up a company from home, along with her father, that today has grown to be a world leader, with offices in 30 countries and 12 manufacturing plants around the globe.

Flowcrete is a leader in it’s industry, growing from the small family start-up business to a global giant, flooring the world of commercial businesses.

Along the way she has won the Veuve Clicquot Businesswoman of the Year Award and been voted Most Influential Person in British Manufacturing. Dawn has been recognised by Her Majesty the Queen as a Pioneer for the Life of Our Nation. Dawn’s MBE was awarded for services to industry but what her staff & clients feel it should stand for is what sums her up - Making Business Enjoyable.

Whilst growing Flowcrete and establishing a trusted, successful brand, Dawn wanted to take flooring to a new level and reach her customers in their homes.

Dawn has recently created Barefoot Floor Couture - a new concept in residential living that encompassed all Dawn’s passions to inspire people to live barefoot, and experience a happier, healthier way of life.

Dawn as a speaker

As a conference speaker, Dawn's charismatic, dynamic style is constantly in demand, captivating audiences around the globe. She is particularly keen to inspire women entrepreneurs and has featured on TV and been keynote speaker at Women in Business conferences across the UK, Europe and also as far as Singapore, Bahrain and Oman.

Dawn's evangelical character and dynamism come to life when delivering talks. Never knowingly seen in grey, her bright presence illuminates any event and she has captivated and motivated audiences around the world - from manufacturers to military leaders, lawyers to ladies who lunch and scientists to school children.

She has even lectured in 'inspirational leadership' at Henley Management College, and worked with the Professor of Creativity & Organisational Change at Manchester Business School to promote a leadership style based on kindness rather than fear.

See some of my talks here…

Dawn at home…

Dawn is a vibrant, vivacious character, who enjoys spending time with the 3 influential women in her life – her Mum Vera and two sensational daughters, Michelle and April.

She and her daughters are passionate about leading a healthy lifestyle and can often be seen running up the hills with the dogs in the charming Cheshire countryside!

Dawn has a great network of friends and like-minded and innovative entrepreneurs who support and encourage her and others on their journey. Click here to see who has inspired Dawn…

Dawn lives in the town where she grew up, Congleton in Cheshire. She is a great ambassador for the town and has recently created a dynamic team that will be transforming the town. Read more on my beartown…

Dawn is passionate about Feng Shui – having studied this far-eastern philosophy with some of the worlds greatest practioners. Dawn was a key part of the team who re-branded the UK Feng Shui Society in 2007, and uses feng shui as an integral element of business.

Dawn is so keen on transforming atmospheres with the use of Feng Shui, that she has invested in the ultimate feng shui home – the eco-hab!

The eco-hab is a domed shaped ‘pod’, ranging in sizes to create a habitat to suit your needs. Dawn’s eco-hab is currently in construction and she is hoping to move in to it in the spring. UK Style TV have taken an interest in this project and are in the process of creating a programme based around Dawn’s eco-hab and her dream to live an eco life.

Dawn has achieved so much over the last 30 years and has many awards and accolades accredited to her for her services to British industry. As well as developing her entrepreneurial side, Dawn has many personal attributes such as being an Ambassador for The Feng Shui Society.

Please click here for a full list of Dawn’s awards and appointments…