Strong Vision helps man set up own Eyewear Business

John Chapman, 46 of Redcar who has a strong background in eye-wear manufacture accumulated over 28 years experience within the sector approached Redcar’s Enterprise Team for support with setting up his business, ‘Blink’.

Strong Vision helps man set up own Eyewear Business A man who had a vision to run his own eyewear business has been given the boost he needs to focus on his dream.

John Chapman, 46 of Redcar who has a strong background in eye-wear manufacture accumulated over 28 years experience within the sector approached Redcar’s Enterprise Team for support with setting up his business, ‘Blink’.

And such was the strong business case that John had managed to put together, he was able to access support from a number of sources to contribute towards his start-up requirements including a start up grant and premises in a prime spot.

Blink is one of several businesses trading from Inflexions, a premises launched in February to help fledging businesses like Johns flourish.

John started his lifetime career at Halls Opticians in 1982 over four years after which he worked at two different Specsavers shops over 23 years.

John who runs his business with wife and company secretary Annmarie, said: “It’s something I’ve been thinking about for years.

“Last year I became part of the Redcar Development Trust after I saw an opportunity. I also met Prince Charles on his visit to Redcar when I was one of four who had a stall on display that day.

“The Enterprise Team helped me get the fixtures and fittings for the shop.”

Customers can use their prescriptions at Blink given to them by their own opticians after they’ve had their eyes tested. This way, John is able to sell fashionable eyewear at lower prices.

He makes his own lenses inside the shop and displays a smart range of designer frames which customers can buy providing they can produce a prescription within two years of being tested.

He was motivated to consider setting up in business by the strong vision of the way he would like to see his business operate which was to ensure people were made aware that they could have prescription spectacles made at an affordable price.

He has a strong belief that excellent customer service has a positive effect on staff performance and correlatively, customer service. This belief moulds his approach to business.