Opticians look for growth after rebrand

A SHROPSHIRE opticians is looking for new growth after rebranding and investing £30,000 refurbishing its Madeley practice.

Work carried out at John Biddle Opticians includes a new frontage, remodeled interior and updated signage, displaying the company’s new name – JBO.

The Madeley practice is one of four run by founder, John Biddle, who set up the business in 1972.

He said: “We have been established for almost 40 years, which is a great achievement for an independent, family-run company, and to compete in the modern optometry business, you have to move with the times.

“We have always tried to be a forward-thinking company, and this includes investing in state-of-the-art equipment, as well as the best staff, and recognizing that the look of our practices needs to better reflect the modern industry we work in.”

The refurbishment included completely stripping out the old practice, and putting in new electrics, light fittings, wall displays, flooring and furniture, as well as revamping the consulting room, and adding some new equipment.

“It’s a considerable investment for us, and we have already been delighted with the comments we have received from existing patients, plus new ones we have taken on since the work was done,” added Mr Biddle.

“The Madeley practice was the first to be completed, and we now hope to roll out the refurbishment programme to our other practices in Wellington, Shrewsbury and Bridgnorth over the coming months.”

To complement the refit, the company has also revamped its website to feature its new look and name.

“It’s a really exciting time for the business. We are just 12 months away from our 40th anniversary (and) looking forward to taking the company into its fifth decade,” said Mr Biddle.