Helen Pipet, Specsavers’ first employee, has celebrated 35 years with the company.
Pipet has been the longest-serving Specsavers employee at Specsavers since 1984, the year that the company was founded. She started working with co-founders Doug and Mary Perkins at their house in Guernsey by sorting frames and doing paperwork, and then moved to working in Specsavers’ first opticians’ practice when it opened.
Her roles over the years have included picking and packing frames to take to the post office on the back of her scooter, working in merchandising, introducing the first store uniform and her current role in marketing finance.
A presentation was held at the company's support office recently, where Dame Mary Perkins awarded Pipet with a long service framed certificate, champagne, a bouquet of flowers and other gifts. Perkins shared many memories of Helen’s time in the business and said: ‘There’s not much Helen doesn’t know about Specsavers. I’d like to thank you for everything you’ve done – you are very much part of Specsavers’ history and family.’
Pipet added: ‘It’s been a very quick 35 years. I have really enjoyed my time here. Here’s to the next 35!’