The company, which has its headquarters in Sandbach, Cheshire, has been bought for an undisclosed sum by American-based RPM International Inc, which is listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

Dawn has helped build Flowcrete up to a multi-million pound international brand after starting the business up in 1982 with her late father, Peter.

Today the business is a truly global concern, with 30 offices worldwide and 12 manufacturing plants globally.

She is also set to launch Barefoot, a new company which will provide seamless flooring for the UK’s domestic sector.

It has recently recorded a record financial performance, achieving sales of more than £44 million in 2007 - an increase of 24% compared to 2006.

Business success saw Dawn receive an MBE for services to industry in 1994, and the Veuve Clicquot Business Woman of the Year title in 2003. She has also been made a ‘Pioneer to the Life of our Nation’ by the Her Majesty The Queen. As one of Britain's top entrepreneurs, Dawn is a popular inspirational and motivational speaker.

Dawn said: “Flowcrete has been such a central part of my life for so many years that I feel sad about the sale, but at the same time glad it is being transferred into the ownership of RPM, under a deal that gives the company a platform for growth, stability and success.

Dawn is set to launch Barefoot, a new company which will provide resin floorings for the UK’s domestic sector

The sale gives Dawn, 49, the opportunity to fulfill a life-long ambition to create a social enterprise which promotes, educates and supports the concept of Feng Shui and healthy environments into the UK’s residential and business communities.

“For several months, we have been looking at ways to raise funds for the group, which would give it the financial muscle to make further acquisitions.”

Flowcrete will continue to be led by the current managerial team, with Mark Greaves – Dawn’s husband - continuing his role as group managing director.

Mark said: “I will be staying with the business full time, together with the existing management team, with the intention to further grow the business to become the world’s leading specialist flooring company.

“The jobs of all the staff in the UK who currently work for the business are safe and it is likely that we will be employing more staff locally as the business continues to expand.”