Woolcott offers rimless service ... Enterprise firm finances domiciliary buyout ... Baker places instruments online
Woolcott offers rimless service
'Having listened to opticians' feedback throughout the years, it became increasingly clear that there is a niche in this market,' he said.
Woolcott started out as a trainee technician, working with corporate companies and independents. More recently he was in a partnership, before deciding to 'go it alone' and convert his seafront property in Paignton into a laboratory where he now works in a family business.
The company uses specialist rimless materials like Trilogy, Trivex and PNX products as well as Airwear, 1.67, 1.74 and polycarbonate.
It also boasts a 'nut and bolt mount speciality', and a 'brand new rimless facility with a big investment in the latest CNC drilling technology'.
'Stringent quality control, coupled with our selection of durable lens materials is part of the key to success,' said Woolcott. 'Although we are able to provide unparalleled turnaround times, our emphasis is on attention to detail and high-end quality.'
Look out for the Rimless Glazing Co stand at Optrafair.
Enterprise firm finances domiciliary buyout
Enterprise Finance Europe provided £750,000 to finance the deal and assist with the continued growth of the £5.5m turnover business.
The buyout was led by Healthcall's managing director Jayne Rawlinson, pictured with Andy Leopold, EFE sales director. She said: 'We were extremely impressed with the flexibility of the team at EFE. Their knowledge of our market, and our particular funding requirements, has provided us with a funding package we are confident will support Healthcall Optical Services going forward.'
Healthcall, which was acquired by Nestor in 2000, comprises 120 staff, who complete 80,000 eye tests a year in over 8,500 nursing homes nationwide.
Baker places instruments online
Potential customers can browse a range of products from a cross cyl twirl to a complete consulting room, with categories of 'Discounted new', 'Ex-demo', 'Finance repossession' and 'Used/refurbished instruments'.
BIB was set up in 1999 by founder and managing director Tim Baker, who has 20 years' experience in the optical industry, specialising in the sourcing, distribution and servicing of all makes and types of ophthalmic instrumentation.
He said that the new site enabled users to access a 'live' stock list of ophthalmic instruments, updated on a daily basis for accuracy of content.
Prices for all product were easily accessed by requesting a quotation, instantly emailed to the customer.
'With the sheer volume and speed product is bought and sold at, it is of paramount importance to create a solution which simplifies the process for our customers,' said Baker.
Customers can also use the site to resell any surplus instruments, where an immediate offer can be made, or can advertise on the site free of charge.
Baker added that an in-house team of service engineers could carry out all necessary refurbishment and pre-checking of items prior to their re-sale. 'We can arrange to collect, deliver and install all product anywhere in the UK and Ireland, to the exacting specification of the new customers requirement. All products, with the exception of those customers selling direct, are covered by a warranty.'
