VE satisfied with growth

Higher annual sales and profits have been reported by Vision Express - despite just a small number of practice openings.

The multiple opened one practice in 2012, but has announced new positions in Gillingham and Leeds since the turn of the year.

Operating profit increased 6 per cent to £16.4m last year, attributed to a combination of 'modest like-for-like store sales growth and tight control of operating costs'. Turnover was up 3 per cent and like-for-like sales grew 1 per cent.

Vision Express chief executive officer Jonathan Lawson said: 'I am very satisfied with our results, which show a successive year of growing sales and profit, reflecting both the valued efforts of our fantastic employees and the loyalty shown by our customers in a challenging environment for the retail market.