Optical Express has announced plans to recruit 220 new personnel adding 100 optometrists, 40 retail staff and a further 80 customer care advisors as it seeks to build on ‘a new business model’.
It will roll out shared venture partnerships to offer its optometrists and commercial partners equity participation in each of its 80 optical stores, a statement said.
Optical Express will retain 50% ownership of each store with the resident optometrist and commercial partner each owning up to 25% of the business.
Stewart Mein, group financial director, said: ‘This model offers the best of both worlds with every store benefitting from central purchasing, expertise and safety and governance regimes whilst local teams can focus on exceptional service and delivery and enjoy a share in that success.
‘We are investing heavily in our future by employing up to 220 new personnel to build this model out and offer Optical Express customers unparalleled service levels and support.’
Accounts to December 2016 for group holding company Lorena Investments Ltd showed turnover was down from £113m to £105m, but it moved from a loss of £8.2m to earnings of £4.6m last year.
Last year was a 12-month period versus 13 months in 2015, a statement added.
David Moulsdale, chief executive and chairman of Optical Express, said: ‘Thanks to the dedication of our staff and their commitment to exceptional service for our customers we are, after a very tough time on the high street, heading in the right direction. We cannot however be complacent hence our investment in adding to our skilled workforce and professional optical expertise.’