David Corben is the founder and managing director of Steptronic and was presented with the award in an annual celebration of the British footwear industry hosted by Drapers Footwear Magazine at Grosvenor House Hotel in Mayfair.
Originally hailing from London’s East End, Mr Corben began his career in 1962 at Northampton’s White and Company.
At the age of 23 he decided it was time to move on, applying for the role of supervisor at Kettering’s Frank Wright Shoes, during his interview he had the opportunity to show off his abilities, impressing with his knowledge and skill. He didn’t get the role of supervisor but instead they offered him assistant production manager
He later spent 25 years at Wellingborough’s Loakes, helping to elevate the brand.
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In 2009, he founded Steptronic, which has been nominated for a string of industry awards culminating in Mr Corben’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
He said: “I believe my success boils down to the fact that I have always loved what I do, I’ve always worked hard and wanted to learn.”
A spokesman for Steptronic added: “Mr Corben remains as passionate today as he did when he first visualised Steptronic 2009 – his mission was to develop a comfort brand with a unique difference. Through his experience, contacts and manufacturing background he developed a fantastic footwear range for all occasions – which is now available in 32 countries.”