Almost 50 years ago, our Founder Catherine Paver had big dreams to change the world of footwear and a passion to provide comfortable and stylish shoes for all. In just under half a century we have lived through many significant moments in history, things may have changed since we were founded but our commitment to care for you and your feet will always be there.
The Pavers story started from small beginnings, born from a kitchen table and not a boardroom, our homegrown heritage and family values will always remain firmly at the core of everything we do, and we consider you part of our family.
With this in mind, we want to say thank you for your support, your kindness and your encouragement through these difficult times. We know that together we will get through this.
2021 will be a huge year for us as we celebrate 50 years of bringing happiness and comfort to you, our ever-faithful customer. We hope that you can celebrate with us as we look forwards to the wonderful times ahead, we know that there are many to come.
A Walk Down Memory Lane
We want to take you on a very special, virtual trip down memory lane, back to where our story first began with Catherine Paver.
So, pop on a pair of your favourite Pavers Shoes and step back in time with us … 49 years to be precise.
1971: The Best Stories Start with a Great Beginning
Catherine Paver, a mother to three boys, had big dreams of changing the world of footwear and a passion to provide comfortable and stylish shoes to all.
Cathy Paver went to the bank with the hope of taking out a business loan, she was told this couldn’t be done.
So, armed with her tenacious spirit Cathy returned, taking out a £200 loan for what they believed was for a sofa. Starting small, Cathy sold shoes at village halls and homeware parties, this is where Pavers Shoes was born … and the rest they say is history.
1981: Next Stop, the Highstreet …
After ten years of hard work and determination, Pavers opened its first shoe shop in Scarborough, Yorkshire. Cathy was joined by her three sons Ian, Graham, and Stuart (now Managing Director) and then further Pavers Stores opened across the UK.
2006: A Place to Call Home
The demand for shoes was growing and our eco-friendly distribution centre was built, making a home for us and our shoes but it was built with the environment in mind.
2007: Drapers Lifetime Achievement Award
36 years after Pavers was founded, Cathy was presented with Drapers’ prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award.
2015: UK’s Top 100 Entrepreneurs …
At the age of 83, Cathy featured in Management Today’s prestigious UK Top 100 Entrepreneur List, her dedication and success were acknowledged alongside entrepreneurs such as James Dyson and Vivienne Westwood.
2018: The Pavers Foundation
The Pavers Foundation was launched with a £2.5 million donation from Pavers Shoes and the private estate of the late Catherine Paver, a charitable initiative to honour her memory. The Pavers Foundation is an employee-led charitable trust dedicated to supporting causes, so far we have donated almost £795,000 to causes close to the hearts of our colleagues.
2019: Stuart Paver, Entrepreneur of the Year
To celebrate 20 years as Managing Director, Stuart Paver was recognised for two prestigious awards, The EY Entrepreneur of the Year Award that spotlights inspiring entrepreneurial leaders, and, The Direct Commerce Lifetime Achievement Award, an accolade that recognises outstanding contributions to commerce.
Today
With almost 50 years of shoe-fitting knowledge behind us and an innovative spirit inherited by Cathy, our homegrown heritage and family values remain firmly at the core of everything that we do. Taking care of your feet will always be our priority.
If you would like to read more about our story, dip into our archives and read the interview with Cathy we did back in 2016.