Specsavers marks 25th anniversary
MORE than 1,000 staff from Specsavers offices and stores met in Birmingham at the weekend for a national conference and to celebrate their 25th anniversary.
The seminar is an annual gathering of all the UK’s store partners, as well as partners from the Netherlands and the Nordics, to discuss the previous year and how the company is moving forward in 2010. Organised by staff from Guernsey and the UK, the event included a motivational master class from guest speaker Rene Carayol. Mr Carayol is one of the world's leading business gurus, drawing from his own unique experiences on the boards of the biggest British and American organisations, such as Marks & Spencer and Pepsi. He is the bestselling author of the leadership and culture bible, ‘Corporate Voodoo’ and has had the privilege of working closely with some of the world's best leaders; from former US President Bill Clinton to the seventh Secretary-General of the United Nations Kofi Annan and Sir Richard Branson.
‘This proved to be our biggest and most exciting seminar to date after a challenging year in a tough economic climate,’ said Specsavers founder Mary Perkins.
‘It is a very important weekend in the year as it is the only chance for all the directors of our 700 stores around the country to be together, not only to celebrate our success, but also to look at our strategic development plans for the coming year.’
In the evening, delegates attended a Silver Jubilee Ball, that included Britain’s Got Talent dance act Flawless and comedian Jason Wood. More than £2,000 was raised for Guide Dogs and Hearing Dogs for the Deaf, two charities that Specsavers support.
To round off the 25th anniversary year, staff in Guernsey will be treated to a Christmas party with a difference. They will take to the ice rink in the market square for a Specsavers-exclusive session, followed by drinks, food and dancing in the Inner Square.