Optical Express recruits for joint venture push

Optical Express has announced plans to recruit 220 new personnel adding 100 optometrists, 40 retail staff and a further 80 customer care advisors as it seeks to build on ‘a new business model’.

It will roll out shared venture partnerships to offer its optometrists and commercial partners equity participation in each of its 80 optical stores, a statement said.

Optical Express will retain 50% ownership of each store with the resident optometrist and commercial partner each owning up to 25% of the business.

Stewart Mein, group financial director, said: ‘This model offers the best of both worlds with every store benefitting from central purchasing, expertise and safety and governance regimes whilst local teams can focus on exceptional service and delivery and enjoy a share in that success.