AV Dawson, owner and operator of Port of Middlesbrough has welcomed an experienced legal professional to its board of directors.
Gareth Jones, one of the leading property lawyers in the North East, has been appointed as property and legal director. This brand new position has been created to lead and develop the strategic direction of AV Dawson’s growing property function and comes on the back of the announcement of a recent board restructure at the company.
Mr Jones joins the business early in the second quarter of the year, following a successful career in the legal profession, most recently working for top Teesside law firm, The Endeavour Partnership where AV Dawson is one of its key clients.
Mr Jones will work closely with Andrew Watkins, infrastructure and operations director, who has led some major infrastructure projects on the port over recent years, including the business’ state-of-the-art head office which opened last year.
Gary Dawson, chairman of AV Dawson said: “Having worked with the business for nearly 20 years, Gareth has a unique understanding of our legal and property requirements.”
“Our site at Port of Middlesbrough is now around 115 acres and represents quite a comprehensive portfolio of land and buildings; ranging from large fabrication halls to climate-controlled automotive metals warehouses.
“As our group structure evolves, we have recognised we need someone with Gareth’s skills and experience to lead this very important area of our business. As we drive forward on our ambitions to decarbonise our port, incorporating renewable technologies into building design and infrastructure, Gareth’s expertise on these major strategic projects will be invaluable.”
The port operator’s ever-expanding site is home to 35 tenants including Prysmian Group, Modus and F.H Bertling. As the focus on renewables has increased, the site has also secured an anaerobic digestion plant and a newly commissioned processing plant that will produce pellets for use as a fuel instead of coal.
Mr Dawson continued: “Having worked closely with Gareth for a number of years, it is evident that he shares very similar values to our organisation and will play a key role in our directorial team. With the recent growth in our property legal work and the wealth of knowledge Gareth already has regarding AV Dawson’s property function, this presented a perfect opportunity for Gareth to join the business.
“This certainly does not mark the end of our work with Endeavour. Over the years we have built up a strong relationship with the team there and we will continue to work with them on other areas of legal advice including acquisitions, commercial and employment law.
Commenting on his new position, Mr Jones said: “I am delighted to have been offered this new role. With an 80-year history, AV Dawson is one of Teesside’s largest family companies and I’m excited to be a part of the next chapter.
“After spending three decades in the legal sector, I look forward to working in a new industry and role and I’d like to thank The Endeavour Partnership for all the opportunities and support they have given me.”
Lee Bramley, managing partner at Endeavour said: “Gareth will be a real asset to AV Dawson, and we are looking forward to continuing to work with him and the rest of the AV Dawson team on their amazing journey.”