UK Enterprise 2020

236 | UK Enterprise Awards 2020 Jul20031 Opticians of the Year 2020 - Hertfordshire Established more than thirty years ago, GPC Opticians has stood the test of time to become the only independent opticians in the town centre of Stevenage in Hertfordshire. Not only does it hold this unique accolade, but it is also the recipient of the award for Opticians of the Year 2020 in Hertfordshire, already further demonstrating the excellence of the firm in the eyecare field. Join us as we take a closer examination at why the firm is so deserving of this success. Despite being in business for more than three decades, GPC Opticians is still writing new chapters in its already lengthy story. In June of 2020, the practice was taken over by Chris Violaris, who has steered the practice to its latest new era of success. GPC Opticians provides sight tests and associated pre-screening for both NHS and private patients, as well as supplying contact lenses and offering emergency care for serious eye conditions. The practice also stocks a wide variety of beautiful frames that include high-end designers such as Lindberg, Silhouette, and Versace, and patients can benefit from premium lenses. At its core, GPC Opticians has three core values that focus on wowing the client, building a team that is one, and solving problems with determination and creativity. Since its beginning, GPC Opticians has developed a unique system when it comes to the client experience that differentiates it from its competitors. The client experience is key. Attention is always paid to a clean frontage and outside area as well as internally. Fresh flowers are present, and the client is always asked if they would like a drink or sweets. Of course, some luxuries have had to be reconsidered and modified due to COVID-19, but the desire to make the client experience incredibly special remains the same. GPC Opticians also has a unique approach to selling the glasses. Most clients come to the practice because they have not been able to find the right glasses, and rather than continue with this, the practice has a unique eyewear styling approach. It asks the clients the right questions to discover what glasses will suit them best. This allows the team to get to know the client and becomes advantageous when the client does not need to try on all the glasses in the store and the choice has been narrowed down to five or six frames which fit their criteria, daily life, and hobbies. However, this is a new way of working for the team, as it requires a whole new selling process has to be learned, interpreted, and fulfilled. One of the key trends within that optical market that has also made the firm’s life more interesting than ever before is that the optical market is being diversified. However, GPC Opticians’ business model is ideally suited to the current climate where clients do not wish to be in a crowded environment, but in a caring environment with individual service that cares for them. Looking ahead to what the future may hold, GPC Opticians is making plans for extensive renovation to Stevenage’s last-standing bastion of independent eyecare. This renovation includes installing a new shop front to make it easier for disabled people to come and have their eyecare done properly, as well as television screens with the aim of showing the latest product information, and general redecorating to make the practice more niche. July 2020 was the business’ best ever month in terms of turnover, proving that the firm has adapted quickly to suit the client’s needs in one of the most difficult periods in this country’s recent history. By engaging with clients, fulfilling their needs, and wowing them with great service, GPC Opticians have proven itself to be a fantastic business that delivers top quality eyecare to everyone who wants it. Company: GPC Opticians Contact: Chris Violaris Website: https://gpcopticians.com/