Businessman Stuart Paver to become chair of Make it York

Stuart Paver will take on the role of the Chair of Make It York Board, replacing interim chair Mark Fordyce.

Stuart is the chairman of growing York-owned shoe retailer Pavers.

The company, founded by his late mother Cathy in 1971, has grown to have more than 100 across the UK, plus a major online presence.

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Pavers is known for its support for community activities and charities as sustainable business practices.

Make it York says such a background will help Stuart promote York as a vibrant place to live, work and visit.

Sarah Loftus, Managing Director of Make It York said: “We are delighted to have Stuart in place as Chair of Make It York Board. Stuart has a wealth of invaluable experience from business acumen to community engagement alongside, involvements with numerous Charites; one example, his Humanitarian Aid Work in Ukraine.

“Running a global York based business, Stuart, is very aware of what the City of York has to offer both residents and visitors and I very much look forward to working beside him. I would also like to thank our Interim Chair, Mark Fordyce, for all his work and support over the past 12 months.” 

Mark Fordyce, Interim Chair of Make It York, said: “Stuart’s personality and experience, makes him the ideal choice to lead Make It York and the board. We are delighted he is joining us and look forward to working alongside him, building on the excellent work Sarah and her team have achieved.” 

Stuart Paver, said: “I am very much looking forward to working with the wonderful team at Make It York. I look forward to the opportunity to build on the great work they have done so far, showcasing York as the vibrant place to live, work and visit.” 

Mark Fordyce founded York Data Services in 2003, which over the years, grew to become a Tier 2 Internet Service Provider, the same stature as Virgin and TalkTalk, having 700 business customers across the UK.

In September, Mark sold the business to Teesside-based Communicate Technology, which was founded in 2011 and similarly specialises in IT, telecoms and cybersecurity.