Opticians earns national award

HALIFAX-BASED BOTTOMLEY Opticians was recently named National Opticians Practice Of The Year.

The independent opticians received the award from the trade association Optical Success Academy during a ceremony at the Eyewear Boutique in the Piece Hall.

A catered buffet and drinks were served and a number of community leaders including former mayor Marcus Chance, CEO of the Piece Hall Nicky Thompson-Chance, and Stephen Bullock were there among the guests.

In September, the owner of the family business Jim Bottomley

competed at the Optical Success Academy conference in Liverpool with more than 100 of the top independent opticians in the UK.

Due to the firm’s amazing story of growth and innovative business practices it was crowned the winner of the Independent Optician Practice of the Year category.

Director of Optical Success Academy Conor Heaney travelled to Bottomleys Opticians new boutique in The Piece Hall earlier this month to present the award and to recognise the company’s achievements nationally and in the business community of Halifax.

Bottomleys was started in 1948 by Jim’s grandfather Randolph Bottomley, then run by Jim’s father John Bottomley and since his father’s retirement 10 years ago, Jim Bottomley has continued the family legacy.

Jim said his father and grandfather instilled lessons about personal service that have always stayed with him.

He said: “My grandfather used to say ‘always give people a reason to walk through the door’ and that is even more important today when people have more choices than ever.

“As an independent business I believe we still have a place in the world today because people still value personal service and being treated like an individual rather than just a number.”

People still value personal service and being treated like an individual