Specsavers targets Northern Ireland for further expansion

The new practices in the province are expected to be open by this time next year, creating work for 40 people.
Currently the group has 11 practices in the province.
Chairman and founder Doug Perkins told optician: 'The past year has delivered an excellent set of results for Specsavers, including Northern Ireland, and has put us in an enviable position to deliver strong profit growth in 2003 and build on our ambitious future plans.
'In a climate of strong competition we are beating our rivals and I am sure that, with more stores run by local opticians, this trend will continue.'
In addition, the Portadown branch has claimed top prize in Northern Ireland in a competition held to encourage Specsavers outlets to generate new prescription safety eyewear business within their area. The company launched its own range of safety eyewear more than three years ago.