Philip Dawson

Senior Business Development Manager

Man in a black jacket with "astley." logo stands in front of a blue wall.

Plays a key role in driving new sales into the company, building strong client relationships and identifying strategic opportunities for growth across our core markets.

Phil manages the business’s new sales team, onboarding clients for design & build or one-off programmes of work whilst identifying new opportunities and areas for business growth. 

He leads a small, proactive team, and also sits on the Senior Leadership, working alongside peers to drive strategy and instigate change to improve efficiencies.

Phil is also a volunteer Health Advocate, championing employee wellbeing alongside business success.

Connect with Phil on LinkedIn

linkedin graphic

A bit more about me, in 3

I’m particularly proud of…

I’m incredibly proud of how we’ve revolutionised the rebranding process for large hotel brands, delivering a true turnkey solution that sets us apart in the industry. From concept to completion, we’ve embedded design excellence at every stage, ensuring each project not only reflects the unique identity of the brand but also runs smoothly and efficiently. Our approach has proven that rebranding can be seamless, impactful, and tailored to meet the evolving needs of high-profile clients in the hospitality sector.

Hopes for the future…

I’m focused on driving continued growth while developing our younger workforce—supporting their progression, harnessing their potential, and building a strong foundation for the future of the company.

Three words to describe your Astley…

Ambitious , dependable, sustainable

Recent company news

A Coop sign at dusk reads "Welcome to Streethay" with store hours and icons.

The growing pressure for ESG reporting Think your job has no impact on your journey to net zero – think…

Learn more
Women in Signs and Graphics-medium

The company’s Marketing Manager, Lucy Wright and Procurement Manager, Ruth Driver were delighted to attend the inaugural Women in Signs…

Learn more
A large arched bridge with "Great North Run" banner spans over a river at sunset.

The Great North Run sign is now finished for another year and our teams are already planning the removal of…

Learn more

That’s the Great North Run done for another year and we want to offer a HUGE CONGRATULATIONS to three of…

Learn more
Two workers in safety gear install large letters on a building's exterior from a lift.

Fix the Roof While the Sun is Shining: Why Now is the Time to Review Your Signage! “Don’t wait for…

Learn more
Man in a white shirt with a small emblem stands in an industrial setting, featuring orange railings and machinery in the background, suggesting a factory or manufacturing environment.

Following the retirement of Gavin Redhead after 29 years at Astley, we are delighted to be able to announce that…

Learn more
Seven people in formal attire stand on stage at the Sign & Wrap Awards event.

Rollout of the Year at Sign & Wrap Awards 2025 We’re thrilled to have up another GOLD in the Rollout…

Learn more
Young Professionals Awards event featuring a decorated venue with stage, purple and blue lighting, golden deer sculpture, and attendees seated at round tables. Two screens display "Blair West" and "Young Professionals Awards" with branding logos. Networking and formal attire set the elegant atmosphere.

We’ve been shortlisted at the Insider Young Professional North East Awards! We are so excited to announce that we’ve had…

Learn more
Cars parked at an electric vehicle charging station with green EV symbols on the ground.

Exploring industry trends for 2025 to stay competitive and ahead of the game

Learn more
Certainly! Here's an optimized alt text: "Printed brochure with EcoVadis Sustainability Rating badge for November 2024 indicating Bronze, Top 35%, by astley. Features sustainability icons and green branding elements."

We received an EcoVadis medal! Just as we were one of the first signmakers to launch our Net Zero Roadmap,…

Learn more
Collage of supermarket sections with "POPAI UK & Ireland Awards Nominated" in the center.

We are so pleased to have returned with Silver in Retail Services and Signage for our work on the Co-op…

Learn more
Glass entrance of a modern building with "City Hall" in large white letters above.

We have been thrilled to be working at a site local to our Gateshead head office, alongside Faulkner Browns and…

Learn more
Exterior view of a modern building facade featuring vertical and diagonal wooden slats with an abstract geometric logo in white, consisting of a semi-circle and a tilted rhombus. The design is illuminated by recessed ceiling lights, enhancing its contemporary architectural style.

We are delighted to have helped deliver the rebrand for Nationwide Building Society, as they overhaul their identity for the…

Learn more
ASDA store entrance illuminated at night with green and white lights, featuring a crosswalk.

The FMCG sector how signage can influence store footfall As 2023 draws to a close, and the disruptions of Covid-19…

Learn more
Blue electric vehicle charging station with a large sign and colorful vertical panels behind.

How EV and retail have shaped the fuel station of today Once merely pit stops for refuelling, petrol filling stations…

Learn more
Four red and orange "Sign & Wrap Awards" plaques on a table in a workshop.

Four awards at the 2024 Sign & Wrap Awards! We are so proud to have been awarded 4 awards at…

Learn more
Elegant banquet hall with round tables, chairs, and a stage displaying "The Sign Awards.

We were so proud to recently attend The Sign Awards! Having been the first ever Sign Awards event, it was…

Learn more
A group of eleven people standing in an office with a curved reception desk.

Well done to our super apprentices! It’s #buybritish day today, and we wanted to take a moment to celebrate the…

Learn more
People seated at tables under purple lighting at the UK Graphic Awards event.

What a night! What a night and firstly, a huge congratulations to the organisers of the UK Graphic Awards. We’re…

Learn more
Two people sit at a conference table with a presentation on a wall-mounted screen.

Sustainability Product Workshop To assist us along our journey to net Zero, its important that we are aware of the…

Learn more
Two people smiling, one holding a framed award, standing in front of a branded backdrop.

Celebrating our apprentices at the Make UK Awards

Learn more
Two men in yellow vests observe a large green and yellow design in a workshop.

We’ve recently had the pleasure of hosting Rich Cross, a renowned service station enthusiast and an industry social media influencer in…

Learn more
A person in a green jacket works on a blue mold with glowing lights.

The Importance of Staff Training and Development Many industries within the UK are facing a skills shortage. The manufacturing sector…

Learn more
Interior of an Argos store with digital kiosks and red signage under wooden ceiling panels.

A Store-in-Store Experience In a modern landscape where e-commerce plays a huge part in retail sales, it’s important to recognise…

Learn more
Three images: Topgolf entrance, intricate circular design, and colorful building with "Lofts" sign.

How Signage Enhances the Customer Experience The leisure and hospitality sector is one of the largest industries in the UK.…

Learn more
Modern building facade with large windows and the word "Wilde" in bold letters.

An Immersive Customer Experience The leisure and hospitality sector is incredibly dynamic, covering all kinds of venues from hotels and…

Learn more
Looking up at a vibrant green forest canopy with sunlight filtering through, tall tree trunks converging toward the blue sky, creating a peaceful natural scene.

We are proud to say we are now one of the first signmakers to be publishing a net zero roadmap…

Learn more
Purple background featuring the International Women's Day logo, a white circle with an arrow, alongside bold white text reading "International Women's Day."

As it’s #InternationalWomensDay, we sat down with Ruth, our Procurement Manager at Astley who provided her own insight on working…

Learn more
Smiling person in a black "astle" sweater stands confidently in a modern factory setting. Prominent text reads, "With an apprenticeship, you’re learning the job, developing your skills, and gaining experience." Industrial equipment and tools in the background highlight a high-tech manufacturing environment.

The Value of Career Progression Not every destination is determined by one linear path. Multiple decisions and pathways can lead…

Learn more
Hands holding a small plant with soil against a blurred natural background.

A Critical Focus Sustainability has grown into a critical focus across the globe in recent years, becoming a buzzword within…

Learn more
City skyline at dusk with a lit bridge over a river and illuminated buildings.

10 Years in the Running The Great North Run brought another summer season to a close for astley, with an…

Learn more
Modern supermarket food hub with "Hot Pizza" and "Create Your Own Pizza" stations. Features digital displays, packaged snacks, pizzas, and fresh vegetables. Bright overhead signage with "Food Hub" branding. Industrial-style black and wood decor.

The FMCG (Fast-Moving Consumer Goods) sector is one of the largest in the UK economy. With its rapid product turnover…

Learn more