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SPECSAVER FOUNDER UNVEILS HER VISION OF THE FUTURE
The co-founder of Specsavers Opticians, a Cardiff University graduate, will be returning to her roots to reveal the secrets of her success. Mary will speak about the company’s unique business model that has enabled it to become the UK’s largest optical retailer* and give insight into the key to Specsavers’ success. She will also illustrate how the company has revolutionised eyecare, its joint venture partnership philosophy and the risks taken that have helped the company succeed in a highly competitive and evolving marketplace. Mary said: ‘I’m really looking forward to speaking to the University Innovation Network. It is a hugely worthwhile forum through which companies of all kinds in South Wales can exchange business ideas and learn from one another.’ Specsavers makes for an inspiring story: Doug and Mary Perkins met while studying for their optometrist qualifications at Cardiff University. They retired to Guernsey after selling their small chain of opticians in the West Country but then saw a gap in the optical market in the mid-80’s when the government deregulated professionals, including opticians, freeing them to advertise their products and services for the first time. Seizing this opportunity, Doug and Mary opened their first Specsavers value for money, quality eyecare opticians in Guernsey, followed shortly by stores in Bristol, Plymouth, Swansea and Bath. Staggering growth has today propelled Specsavers Opticians to high street presence in more than 600 locations across the UK, Ireland, the Netherlands, and most recently, Sweden. The company is now celebrating 20 years of business and claims a 31% share of the UK optical market, three times that of its nearest competitor. Mary will also unveil Specsavers’ plans for the future as it continues its European expansion and how it has diversified into the hearing aid market. It will be a unique opportunity to hear first-hand the trails and tribulations of one of the UK’s most respected and recognised business success stories.
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