A YORK businessman has been crowned the country's top new entrepreneur.

Trevor Rowley beat off competition from businessmen and women throughout the land to scoop first place in the prestigious 'Future 100 Entrepreneurs Of The Year' competition.

The prize recognises the current success and future potential of Trevor's York-based company Postoptics - the UK's first mail order and online supplier of contact lenses and solutions.

Postoptics was born out of Viewpoint, Trevor Rowley's successful High Street optical outlet in York.

Since the Postoptics launch back in 1996, it has grown into a broad-based business, which allows customers to order supplies by telephone, post, fax or the internet.

Despite the failure of competitive eye care suppliers, the annual turnover of Postoptics has increased over 200 per cent year on year and now exceeds £4m. The company employs 23 staff and is currently expanding into its own purpose built call centre with warehousing and distribution.

Trevor said: " I am flattered to have been selected as the Richard Branson of tomorrow and this proves that you don't need to be a London city slicker to launch a thriving business."

He was presented with his award in a ceremony at London's Grosvenor House Hotel last night.

PICTURE: Trevor Rowley: Award for business success