Humberside founder rescues lab business

Prescription house Humberside Optical Services has been bought out of administration, saving 21 jobs, after being acquired by one of its founding directors, Ann Whelpton.

The lens manufacturing and frame repair business, which has an approximate annual turnover of £1.5m, was placed in the hands of administrators on August 25 due to the loss of a significant customer (News 03.09.10). Nearly half of its 40 employees were made redundant as efforts were made to rescue the company and attract a buyer. Founded in 1987 and based at premises in Barton-on-Humber near Hull, the firm supplies lenses and optical supplies to opticians across the UK.