Look Local: Marlborough duo work their magic

Generations of family customers

Marlborough is an affluent market town with a strong sense of community, as Malcom Lee, manager of local independent practice, Haine & Smith, testifies. ‘There is one other independent and one multiple in the town. We try to help each other as much as possible,’ says Lee.

Established in 1975, Haine & Smith now owns 19 practices across Wiltshire and the surrounding areas. Aside from eye examinations the practice offers hearing care, colorimetry and vision training.

The business uses its own laboratory, Kennet Optical, in Pewsey, which glazes and delivers to the rural practices. It also has a buying team that chooses which frames are stocked across the group. It currently displays a range of designer frames, including Oakley, Maui Jim, Tom Ford and Bvlgari.