Having travelled the world for over 35 years, Doane actually started his career in 1963. He was 16 when he dropped out of school and began to look for an apprenticeship. He found one close by and he ended up making gearboxes and turning Bedfords into four wheel trucks to use in the desert. He went on to achieve fame as Douglas' main sales agent.
“I was very surprised, honoured and very humbled to be awarded an MBE (Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) in the Queen’s Birthday Honours 2018 for Services to British Airport Services and International Trade after a career spanning 50 years at Douglas Equipment and time as Honorary President of BASEA. I would therefore like to thank my wife Yvonne, my family, work colleagues past and present at Douglas Equipment (especially my long serving secretaries Pat Wright and Claire Bond), our many agents and representatives around the world, colleagues past and present at BASEA and DiT (the UK’s Dept of International Trade, the trade press, and of course all our many customers worldwide for their tremendous support throughout my career that has enabled me to be recognised for this most prestigious award."
