Simon Jones: Scotland the bountiful

Optometry north of the border has been buzzing with developments in recent months. Expansions, mergers, acquisitions and even university courses have made the Scottish sector a very interesting one to watch.

The Hakim Group started to expand aggressively in the lowlands several months ago, accelerated somewhat by the acquisition of Urquhart Opticians, which had been on an expansion journey of its own in Ayrshire. With high profile practice purchases of Cameron Optometry in Edinburgh and Mackie Opticians in Lanarkshire, the group looks to be on the road to repeating its success in England and Wales.

Duncan & Todd Opticians, which celebrates its 50th anniversary last week, has also expanded significantly in recent years, as has Black & Lizars. I also have to take my hat off to Cubitts for its first foray into Scotland. Simultaneously opening two fantastic-looking practices in Edinburgh is no mean feat, and the customer demographics in the two neighbourhoods the company has selected are sure to love the brand.