Famously private Primark founder Arthur Ryan for once stepped into the limelight at the Oracle Retail Week Awards last night.

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Ryan made his unprecedented public appearance to collect the Outstanding Contribution to Retail award in a ceremony held last night at the Grosvenor House Hotel.

His friend Arcadia owner Sir Philip Green paid tribute to Ryan, who has avoided being photographed throughout his career, in a video message. Green said: “This is a man who richly deserves this award. He’s tirelessly developed and built one of the UK’s great businesses”

Primark also won Oracle Retailer of the Year.

Oracle Retail Week Awards