Sean on business shortlist Faces judges today
East Kilbride businessman Sean Walls is in the running to win Lanarkshire’s best business.
The owner of the Optical Factory and founder of charity Sight Aid International told the News he is delighted his East Kilbride and Hamilton-based business has made the shortlist in this year’s Lanarkshire Business Excellence Awards.
The awards highlight the success and diversity of the Lanarkshire business community.
The Optical Factory will today go up against Kerrs Bakery in Motherwell and Hamilton computer consultancy Provista UK in the 11-50 employees category.
Optometrist Sean hopes to wow a panel of judges with a presentation on his flourishing business.
The Hairmyres dad-of-two said: “I’m really proud.
“For a company that is only six years old to be in the final three and recognised across the whole of Lanarkshire is an amazing achievement.
“I’m delighted for all my staff as it is them who make people come back to the Optical Factory by making the whole experience enjoyable.
“Fingers crossed we can win on the night.”
Sean has opened eye testing clinics in Kenya and Malawi, where his charity Sight Aid International has given the gift of sight to thousands of African people.
During the presentation Sean will speak of plans to help more vulnerable sections of the community by stocking hearing aids at factory outlet prices.
And he will share his vision for the future as the country’s largest stockist of sports eyewear.
He said: “Sight Aid is still a big part of the Optical Factory. I’m looking to send my optometrist Rosslyn McCallum to Kenya this year to carry out eye tests with students from Glasgow Caledonian University.”
Sean also revealed ambitious plans to expand his business as he gets set to open a new store in North Lanarkshire in April, employing four more staff – taking his staff total to 16 – and moving his Hamilton facility into a purposebuilt location on Almada Street this summer.