THE managing director of York retailer Pavers Shoes has been named Ernst & Young’s North Retail Entrepreneur Of The Year 2013.

Stuart Paver was one of 12 business leaders from across the North West, Yorkshire and North East who were honoured at the awards, in 11 categories.

Under Mr Paver's leadership, Pavers, a multi-channel retailer with 100 stores, websites, catalogues, TV channel and stores in India, has entered new areas of retailing at an early stage, such as outlet retailing which they now dominate, internet retailing which they started more than a decade ago and TV retailing.

The judges were impressed by how Pavers is expanding internationally with a rapidly growing Indian arm, which has the potential to become the largest part of the business.

Mr Paver said: “I was very honoured to receive the award and I accepted it on behalf of the entire Pavers workforce as it would not be possible to keep growing such a great business in the UK and India without a truly outstanding team that ensures that my dreams turn into reality.

"I am very proud of what we are all creating here at Pavers.”

All Northern winners will go on to represent the region at the UK finals in October, and have a chance to compete at Ernst & Young’s World Entrepreneur of The Year in Monaco next year.