Independent practices and high street chains will be vying for position at Optrafair in Birmingham this April as the line up of those represented continues to grow.
Leading optical retailers including Specsavers, Boots Opticians and first-timer, Tesco have all confirmed their presence at the show providing valuable career advice for optical professionals. The Association for Independent Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians (AIO) is also expecting a surge in its membership at the NEC show (April 18-20). Peter Warren, AIO chairman said its membership had trebled in the last two years as independents banded together to strengthen the sector and promote the sector to the public.
‘The AIO was very successful in attracting new members at the 2013 Optrafair in Birmingham and we are looking forward to recruiting a significant number of new members again this year,' said warren. The event also offers a great opportunity to meet up with our existing members and get their views on the work the Association is doing to promote the cause of independent practice.' Those visiting the AIO stand will hear more about its code of conduct and anyone joining the AIO at Optrafair will be entered into a draw for a magnum of champagne.
Meanwhile the multiples will be talking about their plans for the future, career opportunities and product developments. Ben Fletcher, Managing Director, Boots Opticians said: ‘It’s been an incredible year for Boots Opticians, having introduced our market-leading new customer offer, opening new stores across the country and launching our new innovative blue lens product. The business is moving at pace and the buzz and excitement can be felt amongst our practices and colleagues. We’ve got some great things planned for Optrafair this year and would urge anyone who is interested in pursuing a career with us, or who simply wants to learn more about Boots Opticians, to come and meet our team on stand E40.’
Victoria Taylor, Head of Professional Recruitment UK, Specsavers, said it was pleased to be supporting Optrafair. ‘We thoroughly enjoy supporting Optrafair, as it gives our teams from around the globe the opportunity to talk to optical professionals who may be interested in a career with Specsavers. Whether it is an international move, a Partnership opportunity in store or our domiciliary territories or as one of our valued in store professionals; there will be representatives from every area to have a chat with you on the Specsavers stand (L10).’
Dame Mary Perkins, founder of Specsavers is delighted to be joining the experienced panel to discuss the future of retail optics in the UK, in a Question Time style debate – one of the show’s highlights. The panel will also include Fletcher of Boots, Ryan Leighton, CEO of Leightons Opticians and independent Peter Noakes of NHK Optician, others are to be confirmed.
Dame Mary, said change needed to be embraced and that would be driven by customers. ‘Optrafair is an important focal point (sorry!) for UK optics, bringing everything under one roof - products, equipment, charities, education, seminars, peer discussions, everything packed into a three day event. Where better for us to exhibit to give information regarding recruitment and career opportunities?’