Success At iDay:

IDay 2017, the annual conference for independent British optics proved a great success this year, offering insight and practical advice to help indie opticians to "fight the good fight". It was an honour to speak in front of a delegation of 200-strong forward-thinking opticians, expressing my views on how the independent industry in the UK can adapt in a climate of hostility against mass-produced "luxury" eyewear, the grudge purchase, and low-cost disposable fashion. I was in good company too, Jason Kirk, co-founder of Kirk & Kirk, impressed with his inspiring speech. Retail is in the detail, the service, and in the end-product.

It certainly was a nerve-wracking experience, but tensions melted away as began to hit my stride. I am a "tell-it-as-it-is" kinda guy so my speech was frank and honest. I uploaded the full speech on to Youtube. Check it out:|

http://spectacleemporium.wixsite.com/eyeloveindie/single-post/2016/05/08/Steals-of-the-Summer:

Speaking about the event to Optometry Today magazine, organiser of iDay, Nick Atkins, said: “A great speaker line-up and more practical advice and support in our interactive break-out sessions resulted in what I think was the best iDay we’ve ever run.”

I might have ruffled a few feathers, but in all honesty, I think the British independent optician needs to step up their game and fully embrace their independence. Read more: https://www.aop.org.uk/ot/professional-support/optical-organisations/2017/11/16/neg-and-iday-enjoy-success-at-new-venue