A week of news - Rodenstock holds awards

Rodenstock held its annual awards this week - treating guests to Christmas dinner, a comedian and even flowers.

The awards, which from one year to the next pass through luxury London venues, were this year held at the Landmark hotel, Marylebone.

Providing the entertainment was Scottish comedian Fred Macaulay, while Rodenstock UK's managing director Dietmar Rathbauer also spoke after dinner.

The 300 independents invited along represent 70 per cent of Rodenstock sales in the UK, proving that a close relationship between retailers and suppliers cannot be underestimated.

Burnett Hodd & Jenkins, Sidcup, won first place as the brand's Centre of Excellence, while BBR Optometry, Hereford, Roger Pope, London, and Davis Optometrists, Kettering, also picked up more than one prize.

Speaking to some of the independent business leaders on parade, many expressed a need for trainees to be ushered into starting up their own businesses.

Before leaving, there was one final, frantic, competition though as Rodenstock gave away its floral centre-pieces as a festive gift to any guest sharp enough to grab one. Needless to say, I left empty handed.

Joe Ayling, news editor.