BBR Optometry is delighted to announce that Hereford’s only independently-owned optometry practice has been named as a finalist in two categories at the inaugural Hereford BID Business Awards 2017. The practice has been shortlisted as both Independent Business of the Year and Employer of the Year.
Nick Rumney, chairman at BBR Optometry, says: “I am delighted that we have reached the final of this awards ceremony with winners due to be announced at a gala dinner on October 5.
“As a business owner, I fully appreciate the role all staff play in ensuring we provide the best possible outcomes for our valued patients. This approach is evidenced by the fact we are one of only 128 companies in the county of Herefordshire to have achieved the Investors in People Gold Standard for 2017 following a comprehensive assessment.
“The awards team were looking for businesses that offered their staff a stimulating and supportive environment and real commitment to the welfare of employees, resulting in high staff satisfaction levels and a well-motivated, ambitious and integrated workforce.
“There are so many examples of how we have supported staff but a few of particular note are Laura Reece being named Young UK Contact Lens Practitioner of the Year by the British Contact Lens Association (BCLA) and Jessica MacIsaac being supported to launch a new Tear Clinic which treats the growing problem of ocular surface disease and is already proving extremely popular.
“I am also delighted that we have been shortlisted as Independent Business of the Year because I believe this is what sets us apart from similar practices and the fact we can offer bespoke care for patients without the constraints faced by national companies.
“To now have our role as an employer and a proud independent recognised by the BID awards is the icing on the cake and I would like to wish all the other finalists good luck at the gala dinner when winners and runners-up will be announced,” he added.
The Hereford Times launched the Hereford BID Business Awards 2017, sponsored by Maylord Shopping Centre, in June this year as part of the newspaper’s support for the business community.
Nick adds: “Business Improvement Districts (BID) are a tried and trusted way of delivering positive development of city centres and we were delighted to support the group’s aims of improving the city for shoppers by signing up to be members.
“We are proud of our heritage as the city’s only independently-owned optometry practice and I myself have worked in Hereford for more than 25 years and hope the awards will really shine a light on the many great businesses that thrive in the county,” he added,
John Jones, chairman of Hereford BID, said: “Hereford City has leapt forward over the last few years, with a fantastic mix of local and national names in both retail and leisure, helping to create a great day out! However, we aren’t good at shouting about it and telling the outside world what a fantastic offer we have, or why people should visit.
“These awards are part of HBID’s plan to change the perception of Hereford, so people know about the fantastic businesses we have; from the real hidden gems that make us unique, to the main stream offer from outstanding national name branches,” he added.
In the Independent Business of the Year, the other two finalists are Fodder and The Kup-cake Kitchen Café and, in the Employer of the Year category, they are School Uniform Shop and Specsavers.
There are 12 BID Awards in total and the other 10 categories are:
• Business Services Provider of the Year
• Outstanding Contribution to the City
• Hotel, Restaurant, Pub or Café of the Year
• Putting Hereford City on the Map Award
• Night Time Economy Business of the Year
• Customer Service Award
• Employee of the Year
• National Retailer of the Year
• Best Presented Award
• Special Recognition Award
Find out more about the awards and see the full list of finalists here.