A SHOE firm has revealed £10m investment plans to expand its presence in India.

Pavers Shoes, in York, says it will increase its number of stores from 35 to 100 in the country.

India’s retail sector is worth about £309bn.

Founded in 1971 by Cathie Paver, Pavers has more than 100 outlets across the UK and Ireland.

It is highlighted on Europe’s Forum 500 list of the UK’s fastest-growing and most profitable retailers.

The move comes amid a Government trade trip to India, which drew criticism after it was revealed bosses in the region were denied seats on the visit.

There is strong representation from firms in London and the South-East on the trip, but none of the 40 delegates are from the North-East.

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg said: “I’m delighted to see British companies expanding, and I’m glad to see our great retail sector making even greater inroads and launching iconic brands globally.”

The Indian trip was criticised by James Ramsbotham, chief executive of the North East Chamber of Commerce (NECC), who said it was an opportunity missed by the Prime Minister.

It comes eight months after North-East company bosses were denied places on a landmark trade mission to China.

Mr Ramsbotham added: “It’s a real shame this important trade mission to India doesn’t include any of the North-East’s great companies or representation.

“It is a key export market for our firms and one which the NECC has been keen to promote among our members via our Access programmes.

“It is a sad fact that there is a southern bias when organising important trade missions of this nature.

“They are put together by people who are based in the Department of Business and the Foreign Office – and their contacts and the people they know are usually all based in London and the South-East of England.”

In October, the NECC and UK Trade and Investment are hosting an Access visit to India to tap into new markets and help boost the £47.1m of annual exports sent from the North-East to the subcontinent.