Specsavers grows its own store partners with Pathway scheme

Two recently-appointed Specsavers’ joint venture partners have told how the group’s Pathway scheme has significantly benefited their careers.

Ramiz Ahmed, one of Specsavers’ youngest store owners at 25, completed the 24-week partner development scheme in May this year and opened his opticians in Acocks Green the following month. Michael Todd, who graduated from Pathway in February, also bought straight into the business as a partner at the Teignmouth store. They are among dozens of Specsavers staff who seize opportunities each year to progress to owning their own businesses.

Michael, 27, said: ‘Pathway has worked very well for me. Specsavers puts so much emphasis into finding and nurturing home-grown talent within the business to develop the next generation of leaders. It is a real pioneer in this field – I don’t know of another organisation like it. You have to be prepared to work hard but there are amazing opportunities and rewards to be had.’