Independent but not alone

Independent optical practices can sometimes seem alone in the competition with larger multiples, but SightCare members are in no danger of this.

The organisation’s membership of over 400 independent optical practices benefit from business advice, cost savings and support, but free attendance to the annual conference is perhaps their best perk. This year’s Business and Networking Conference for Independent Opticians, hosted in the Telford International Centre, was the organisation’s 20th anniversary event and SightCare’s team pulled out the stops to present an educational programme, exhibition and award ceremony.

Delegates were welcomed by SightCare CEO John French, who declared the conference open before explaining the theme of the day – ‘Powering change’. French astutely made the case that embracing change was fundamental for business, saying: ‘You can either accept change, or get left behind.’ He continued to explain that independents must differentiate themselves from a price led model through embracing the latest technology, assessing their business strategies and focusing on a team approach.