Hucknall high street opticians celebrate 15 years of serving the community

While full anniversary celebrations have been put on ice due to the pandemic, staff at a Hucknall opticians are raising their glasses to 15 years in business.
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Specsavers, on High Street, opened its doors in 2005 with a team of six, three of whom are still with the store today – Stephen Archer, Hannah Beale, and Lisa Boot.

Optical director Stephen said: “We feel incredibly privileged and we’re now looking forward to the next 15 years, and a possible expansion of the store in the pipeline.

“We’re committed to providing the very best service we can to our local community with a team that loves working for us.”

Staff at Specsavers' Hucknall store celebrated the anniversary in some style.Staff at Specsavers' Hucknall store celebrated the anniversary in some style.
Staff at Specsavers' Hucknall store celebrated the anniversary in some style.

In 2013, Stephen’s wife Janet joined as a co-director and the business underwent a major refit to install hospital-grade scanners.

Earlier this year, they took on Priyen Kotecha as a fellow optical director – taking the business to 22 staff.

Stephen said: “In today’s testing times to be able to look back and see how our store has survived and thrived is certainly very humbling.

“Our team is what makes us, so nurturing and developing them is fundamental to ensuring we provide the best quality service to our customers. Many have progressed on to regional roles.”

Over the years the store has received several awards for the standard of its eye and audiology care, but the business has also played an active role in the wider community.

Janet founded the Hucknall Christmas tree festival ten years ago, the store participates in various high street and charity events, and staff venture out to give health talks for local groups and organisations.

This year alone, furloughed staff raised funds for the Nottingham Hospitals Charity during the first lockdown to, and one employee championed a local food bank initiative which resulted in a £10,000 donation.

Stephen said: “As with so many businesses, the last few months have been very challenging. We dealt with all sorts of eye-related issues and health emergencies.”

All staff are now back in-store and full service resumed with necessary protections. They have also introduced remote support for anyone concerned about visiting in person.

For more details, call 01159 889050 or go to specsavers.co.uk/stores/hucknall.

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