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Independent optical practices are in a better position to ride out a recession than the chains and most could treble their turnover by implementing a few simple business techniques.

This was the message at this year's Independents Day from the keynote speaker and serial entrepreneur Rob Stewart. He gave the 180 delegates an insight into how he had created successful businesses by building a brand, achieving customer loyalty and selecting staff that held the company's values.

He shared with the audience some simple tips on staff selection, local promotion, branding and customer care which, he said, could transform a business and turn the owner into a local legend. He said great business ideas were all around us and even during a recession many businesses were continuing to grow rapidly.

He asked the audience a range of questions about staff selection, promotions, selling and web presence and appeared shocked at the lack of urgency placed on retailing by optics.

'If you do just a few of these things you will treble your business. Make notes and take action.Don't be afraid to tell people how great you are or to sell to people. If you feel uncomfortable doing that, find someone who will do it for you.'

Independents Day'08, held at the Motorcycle Museum near the NEC on July 3, was the biggest yet. Alongside the two streams of seminars was an exhibition area with 41 company stands. CET points were on offer at some of the company-sponsored talks. Hoya also used the opportunity to launch its Vision Care Centre, a computer-based support tool.

● A full report on the conferencewill appear in a forthcoming issue of Optician.

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