An independent opticians that has been making Wisbech residents’ vision crystal clear for more than 50 years has won an award.
Coakley Opticians, based on York Row, won the independent retailer of the year award at this year’s Fenland Citizen Business Awards.
Long-serving staff were delighted to receive the award at the black tie event held at March Braza Club on Friday night.
Coakley pipped both Lovell & Ward Ltd and The Little Fenland Eco Shop to the post with of Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce judging and sponsoring the category.
Director Martin Walters, who recently celebrated his 25th anniversary working at the company, said: “We see the same come in people again and again, we get to know people so that’s really nice.
“We have a very low turnover of staff as well which must mean there’s a pleasant working environment.
“We’ve had a nice new refit and we have a really nice new piece of technology coming in which can do MRI on eyes.”
Business manager Danielle Walters added: “We’re really overwhelmed. It was the first time we’ve ever entered anything.”
Charlotte Horobin from Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce said: “All entries in this category were full of care, pride and passion – it was a pleasure to meet each of them.
“The selected winner though has invested heavily into the business.
“Their reviews and customer feedback are exceptional and they do not compromise at all on quality.
“Their business model has been to move to the upper end of the market which is a brave and bold thing to do, but it’s working for them.”
