In conversation: Millmead Optical CEO James Conway

James Conway: Like many businesses, we have had to navigate significant challenges, including the impact of Covid-19, supply chain disruptions and inflationary pressures. One of the most demanding periods was during the Covid-19 pandemic, when global supply chains were severely affected by shipping complexities and overseas production closures of raw materials and optical practices faced unprecedented restrictions.

We adapted by increasing our UK manufacturing and, in 2021, opened a new manufacturing facility at our Liverpool site for Optoplast, making spectacle cases from recycled plastic – an initiative that also supported local job creation. Additionally, we worked with our customers and invested in digital tools to enhance communications. But it is the agility of our teams and a strong emphasis on long-term planning that has enabled us to remain resilient through uncertain times.