Gans Cole resigns from optics

Ruth Gans Cole has resigned from her roles as chairman of the Federation of Manufacturing Opticians and the Eyecare Trust.
The FMO resignation was a technicality after it was announced that W T Rees, the Wembley-based supplier of which she was managing director, has ceased trading following its voluntary liquidation (see page 6). Only company representatives can hold seats on the FMOboard.
Ms Gans Cole became the body's first female chairman in February last year, and was instrumental in making the federation a company limited by guarantee.
Vice-chairman David Moore is now acting chairman and is expected to be appointed to the role at a meeting to be held next week.
The question of her successor at the Eyecare Trust will also be considered next week.
FMO general secretary Richard Wilshin said: 'Her support and involvement in optics will be missed.'