Viewpoint: What might today’s budget mean for independents?

The first budget from Rt Hon Philip Hammond MP comes at a time when the economic climate is at its most uncertain. And that uncertainty will affect independent opticians’ customers, their suppliers and their staff. There has never been a more critical time for the independent optical sector to inform, advise and support each other. And there has never been a more critical time for our independent opticians to seek information, advice and support.

So what is facing us?

Right at the top is Brexit. What could this mean for suppliers of optical products and services to the independent practice. Currently we must guess. But a pretty good guess is that it will be more difficult for the suppliers to buy products and thus more expensive. The trickledown effect will be that independent practices will be paying more and asking their patients, their customers, to pay more. That will mean a rethink of how independent practices market to them, how they attract them. Be aware that the competitors will face the same pricing issues. The winners will be those that offer the best customer service, the most effective marketing and the highest quality of staff.