Get to Know… Emma Denton

Where are you from originally and where do you live now?

I’m Sheffield born and bred.

What was your first job?

My very first job was working at a recycling company as a transport/weighbridge administrator. It was while I was there that I discovered my love of trucks.

What job(s) did you have before joining Dawsongroup?

I’ve always worked in the truck industry. Since leaving school, I’ve had jobs in planning, compliance, depot management, transport management, business development, and truck hire and sales.

When did you join Dawsongroup?

December 2024.

What’s your current job and what does it involve?

I’m currently part of Dawsondirect’s team of used truck and trailer sales managers. My job involves building relationships with new and existing customers and sourcing quality used trucks and trailers for their fleet requirements. It also includes growing Dawsondirect as a trusted brand in what is a very competitive sector.

What’s been the highlight of your career?

Mentoring my first work experience school placement student. She came to us not knowing what she wanted to do after leaving school, so I made sure that she learned about every aspect of what I did as a depot manager, and the wider industry.

At the end of her placement, one of my colleagues asked her what she thought of the industry and her placement, and if she’d thought about what she wanted to do in the future. Her reply was: “Yes, I want to do what Emma does!”

I caught up with her on LinkedIn many years later and, low and behold, she’s now an Operations Manager for a haulage company! I’m really proud that I inspired another woman to make a success of her career in trucking.

Who or what has been the main influence in your career?

I’d say the amazing customers I’ve met through my time working in the industry, some of whom have become lifelong friends.

What’s your initial impression of working for Dawsongroup?

My initial impression is that it values its employees! Dawsongroup is very supportive of the wellbeing of its people and proactively helps them to develop and be successful.

It also has a women’s employee resource group, which helps to support the needs of women in the industry – something I’m passionate about being a part of.

What do you do in your spare time?

I like the simple things in life. Going on a solo hike in the Peak District has got to be my top thing to do.

Looking after my mental health is something I’m a huge advocate of, and hiking is a great way to take myself to a place of calm and tranquillity.

Tell us a fun fact about yourself

I had pink hair last year for no particular reason, I just was feeling adventurous!

What’s on your bucket list?

Taking on the National Three Peaks Challenge when I get fit enough!

What’s your favourite book or film – or genre?

I’m a horror and sci-fi geek. Alien is my favourite film franchise. I love the battles with an extraterrestrial lifeform, spanning the 22nd and 24th centuries.

The first film was released in 1979, and the series led to numerous novels, comics, video games, and spin-offs. I love going to horror and sci-fi conventions. The last one I went to was HorrorConUK at Magna in Rotherham and it was amazing! I haven’t dressed up yet, but maybe next time!

What annoys you in life?

People who don’t treat each other with respect. You never know what someone is going through, so please, be kind.

What’s your biggest regret?

Not looking after my own mental health more in the past.

Anything else you’d like to mention?

I’ve become a big believer in everything happens for a reason. Whatever life throws at you, it’s a learning experience and has the potential to make you a stronger, better version of yourself.