 Lawson and the Motor Car Club organised the first London to Brighton car run, the "Emancipation Run", which was held on 14 November 1896 to celebrate the relaxation of the Red Flag Act, which eased the way for the start of the development of the British motor industry.Lawson attempted to monopolise the British automobile industry through the acquisition of foreign patents.He acquired exclusive British rights to manufacture De Dion-Bouton and Bollée vehicles.