TIM Payne has been appointed to the newly created role of trading director at Charles Clinkard, the family-owned footwear retailer.

Mr Payne, who was shortlisted in the 2015 Institute of Directors’ (IoD) Young Director of the Year Award, will oversee the buying, merchandising and online trading areas of the growing business, which has 33 stores across the UK and is about to move into a new £3m head office and warehouse in Middlesbrough.

It was his rise through the ranks in the company which led to him being shortlisted for the IoD award, which recognises young directors, aged 42 and under, who are making substantial contributions to the North East region.

He joined Clinkard's in December 2008 in charge of the merchandise team and the company’s warehouse at Thornaby. He was then became merchandise controller, in charge of the company’s team of buyers, and then merchandise director, a role which incorporated buying, merchandising and supply chain management.

Mr Payne, 38, left Brunel University with a degree in English Literature and began his career in retail with The Disney Store. He and his family spent several years in London before moving North.

He said: "It’s a rare thing to find a family firm that’s continued to grow for the last 90 years while maintaining high levels of quality and exceptional customer care and I’m proud to be playing a part in that growth."

Charles Clinkard, managing director, said: "Tim has made changes that have shaped the business – he has introduced better reporting procedures, quicker processes and more effective methods without losing sight of the company’s ethos and personal touches including exceptional customer service."