Federation of Manufacturing Opticians urges industry players to join up

The FMO is reaching out to new members who may not have considered joining the UK optical trade body, to gain the benefits of networking, free legal advice, professional guidance, access to the licenced Bad Payers’ List and much more.  The exhibitors’ discount for Optrafair, The FMO’s flagship show, is also a key driver for many companies to join up.

The means of providing some 21million UK eye examinations each year – many with advanced optical diagnostics - could not happen without the technology provided by FMO members.  The production and supply of bespoke lenses, sunglasses, sports eyewear and a host of health supplements and accessories together provide the fuel for a £2.8billion industry and The FMO is integral to oiling the wheels on the business of optics.  It is also the voice of suppliers and manufacturers within The Optical Confederation.

The diverse membership of companies, which range in turnovers from a few thousand pounds each year to multi-million pound operations, stretch from Cornwall to Scotland and across the breadth of the country.   Despite great competition these companies are brought together by the trade body which was founded nearly a century ago, with a gentlemanly approach to business, and a camaraderie, which is still the envy of many other sectors.

'We are valued for the breadth of advice and information which is available to the frame, lens and equipment groups, but we also support the IT providers, shopfitters, finance houses, management companies and optical educators. Our Paddington head office and regional meetings are a time for our Management Board to come together to seek out ways of supporting the profession and industry partners,' said FMO Chairman, Barry Dibble.

The knowledge of FMO members and the shared resources of experience are appreciated not just by UK companies but also by optical businesses abroad which look to the UK for guidance in a rapidly changing market, with more shopfitting companies, education and service providers, plus contact lens companies, looking to join.

Collaborative Working

Overseas member, Frederic Lefranc, PPG Industries’ Director of Sales, EMA and Pacific, believes the unity provided by The FMO is a vital strength of the UK optical sector –

'The FMO is a great asset to the industry – very few countries have such a professional organisation. It is a very good platform to create unity and give direction.  We are made very welcome as overseas members and it is a great way to integrate into the country market.

“In the UK you have unity which is a great strength to business.  We see a great pride in being a part of the FMO and we don’t see this so often elsewhere in Europe.  The AGM luncheon is a great event and a terrific coming together of the industry.'

Essilor UK Managing Director, Mike Kirkley agreed –

'The FMO is very useful body to give guidance to all manufactures regardless of size.  It is an informative and adventurous group always looking for opportunities to enhance the opportunities for its members.'

The close co-operation between lens providers, optical labs and coating houses, along with frame suppliers working together can provide a seamless journey for dispensing, as Gerry Biggs, Managing Director of Manchester-based Siltint Industries, emphasised –

'The FMO is a forum for all of the technologies involved in manufacturing spectacles to come together to find the best solution for the patient. Representing the views of the different manufacturers, it is very important that this voice is heard in various other optical bodies and most importantly within The Optical Confederation.'

Nigel Castle, Managing Director of leading lab service provider Lenstec, which now includes Tant and Rawdon laboratories, agreed –

'The FMO allows Lenstec to share ideas and network with fellow peers within the industry at the various meetings across the country.  We value the interaction between all companies and across the user groups.  We look to support the industry and commit to SMC training courses throughout our group.'

Education and Insight

For many the regional national meetings are as valuable as the link with the Spectacle Makers’ to promote optical training. Graham Coates, Managing Director of Coates Optical, praised a recent lecture provided by The FMO which provided an overview of the current UK optical landscape and how it differs from overseas markets –

'These lectures are extremely useful and are like gold dust to a small business like mine.  It provided an amazing amount of information about the multiples’ and independents’ share of the market and that really helps us with our planning.'

The sharing of information was also a factor in new member, Optimum Coatings of Morecambe, joining, as Sales Director, Mark Marland explained –

'The FMO is a must for any business involved in our market: great training courses available to staff at all levels, regular newsletters with the latest industry information and a strong network of companies supporting each other. The meetings, held at different locations, are a good way to catch up with customers and suppliers alike, if you are not a member you’re missing out, The FMO really is the voice of the optical industry.'

For others – including frame company, Continental Eyewear, which is proud of a 30 year FMO membership – the meetings are of great value –

'Being able to convey ideas and listen to others in a convivial atmosphere has great importance in a very competitive market. The fact that we are in competition with each other isn't significant as it is a forum for open discussion,' said Neal Grimason, Sales and Marketing Director Continental Eyewear.

Optrafair and Trade Shows

The open discussion forum is essential to planning the flagship FMO optical trade show, Optrafair, which has led the field for more than 30 years, and which now alternates between London and Birmingham.

Hanson Instruments Sales Director, Wayne Coleman reflected the views of many –

'One of the great benefits of The FMO meetings is the chance to bounce ideas around, particularly for us on the instrument supply side.  Discussing the dates and timing of trade shows is important. It is good to have feedback from the other companies to find out what benefits us all.  As a body we have great clout with any issues that need tackling.'

Vital as trade show planning is, and discussions about which other optical events to support, much more is offered by the trade body, says Phil Mullins, Optinet and National Eyecare Group Director of Business Development -

'For many people The FMO is just seen as the organisers of Optrafair. However as a member we feel it’s an integral part of us doing business in optics. It is a group where competitors from all divisions of the industry come together to support each other and to work to improve and develop the whole industry. Add to this the activities and benefits such as legal services, credit management and information, insurance consultation, statistics, training you have a support group like no other.'

Longstanding member, Nick Fitrzyk, Managing Director of Carleton Optical, enjoys the camaraderie and much more -

'Membership brings excellent support. I particularly enjoy the regional meetings and the informative presentations from experts in and out of our field. As well as keeping us up-to-date on issues there are other advantages of being a member of The FMO, including the Optrafair discount rate which is an attractive benefit.'

'The FMO is always been a great forum to meet with many like-minded people who share similar problems and frustrations within the optical world. The focus groups are robust, frank and open and the various discussion points have on occasions coloured or altered my thoughts on some issues. Member benefits such as Hays DX rates, The Bad Payers’ List and Optrafair discounts - especially now that is has become an annual event - are in my opinion sufficient reason for any optical company to consider membership,' said Brulimar Managing Director Howard Librae.

Support and Assistance

With a management Board made up of representatives from optical companies large and small, it reflects the suppliers’ complete cross section –

'The FMO is always available for support and assistance in all optical matters. Through meetings, education and focus groups with members, the FMO enhances the optical world and creates strong links with other manufacturers and like-minded individuals. As the organisers of Optrafair, the FMO promotes and raises the profile of the optical industry,' said Martin Batho, Managing Director, Hoya Lens UK.

Keen to see other companies, large and small join, Barry Dibble draws attention to new member, Snowbird Finance and the words of Managing Director, Simon Freeman -

'Joining The FMO has given us the opportunity to keep right up-to-date with the latest technological advances in the market and to network with those at the heart of the industry.'

For Newcastle-based Lumley Opticals, membership of The FMO provides great peace of mind –

'Knowing that help with some of the headaches of business is just a phone call away is very reassuring,' said Managing Director Harry Lumley.

KEY BENEFITS OF FMO MEMBERSHIP

Networking with others in optics

Learning about new industry developments and standards

Source of business advice and technical guidance

Provides 24/7 legal advice helpline

Leads frame, lens and equipment focus groups

Runs licensed Bad Payers’ List for members use

Promotes and develops training with SMC

Promotes industry focus within the Optical Confederation

Leads the way with annual national optical show Optrafair

Provides member discount for exhibitors at Optrafair

Bespoke training courses tailored to industry needs