Boots Opticians hails franchising firsts

Following Boots Opticians' decision to double its number of franchises to 20 (News, March 3), the group has achieved numerous firsts as 'brand partners' take up their positions.

Optometrist John Blaney, the first brand partner to join from outside Boots, opened his practice at Clayton Square, Liverpool last weekend. It is also the first franchised practice located within a Boots the Chemists.

Rita Khagram is the first contact lens optician to be made a brand partner, not in partnership with an optometrist. She signs up at the Stevenage branch. Jonathan Adams, an optometrist and brand partner in Grantham, Lincs, since 2003, is the first to sign up for a second practice, this time in Melton Mowbray.