10 October 2019
Well, we did it! We won the Service Excellence Award at the Somerset Business Awards on Friday evening. It is still sinking in! That is two customer service awards in one year, so we must be doing something right!
It was a lovely evening in the Winter Gardens in Weston-Super-Mare. The Pavilion was decorated beautifully and the tables looked stunning. They even had proper candles in the candelabras, a rarity in this age of Health & Safety!
This photo was taken just before we went to sit down for the meal, which was extremely good. A credit to the behind-the-scenes team. We were expertly directed by Jenn Chidley-Sanders from the Somerset Chamber of Commerce who made sure we knew where we were sitting (right in the middle of the room) and the best route to get there.
The Awards Ceremony followed the meal. It was introduced by the main sponsor of the event – Richard Bugler of Albert Goodman – Chartered Accountants. Prior to the award for each category being announced it was preceded by a 30-second video of that award’s sponsors followed by a 30-second video of each of the three finalists. The sponsor then made a short speech and announced the winner. The winner was presented with their award on stage and was invited to say a few words.
The sponsor of our award was Brook Financial Management. The Directors are husband and wife team Alison and Kevin Smith who visited us in the practice and chose us as winners against Netitude and SDS Limited, two extremely professional companies. I felt completely overwhelmed when they announced that we had won and apparently Karen commented that I looked miserable. I wasn’t, I was just trying to compute what had happened.
Fame at last!
The culmination of years of hard work, study, training and diligence. A very moving experience.
As soon as I left the stage I was whisked away for the official photos before being guided back to my seat by Jenn.
The rest of the evening is a blur. We left shortly after the ceremony ended as I was completely drained after a very busy week at work but I hear that some of the guests partied until 4 am.
Quite an event, quite a privilege and an absolute honour.
Optometrist
Chris qualified as an optometrist virtually before time began. He has worked in the practice since it opened in 1986 and now specialises in Vision Therapy. In his spare time he is a member of the local Masonic Lodge and enjoys sailing, watching rugby and cricket as well as sampling Single Malts and red wine.
Optometrist and Dry Eye Specialist
After finishing a degree in Biology at Southampton University Rebecca went on to study Optometry at Cardiff University and completed her pre-registration at Williams & Parry Opticians in heart of the Welsh valleys.
Rebecca still keeps a strong affiliation with Cardiff University and has returned as a part-time clinical supervisor and also as an organiser/participant in the ‘Returning Vision Moldova Project’. This non-profit University associated project involves visiting remote and impoverished communities in Moldova and providing eye exams and glasses to those in need.
Always keen to expand her knowledge Rebecca has consistently completed extra accreditation in optometry since graduating; most recently the post-graduate certificate in Independent Prescribing for Optometrists.
After meeting a particularly charming West-Country man 6 years ago Rebecca migrated across the Severn bridge and has resided very happily in the Mendip area ever since. Of course being Welsh she is an avid Rugby fan and during any international match she is easily recognisable at her local pub for sporting the only red shirt in the house!
Manager & Eyewear Advisor
Tracy worked for Tesco on the customer service desk for many years before joining us in 2014. In her spare time she enjoys walking and travel, particularly to the USA.
Audiologist and Hearing Aid Consultant
Nikisha has been a fully qualified audiologist for more than seven years, having graduated from the University of Bristol in Summer 2012. After gaining her degree, she worked as part of a fantastic NHS team in Bath for two years, which greatly developed her clinical expertise.
Following her time in the NHS, Nikisha wanted to broaden her knowledge further, and so five years ago moved into the private sector, where she has been able to continue to build her extensive skillset.
“I decided to venture out and join the team at The Hearing Care Partnership because they are renowned for delivering great customer service and great technology to their clients, which is something I wanted to be part of. In addition, working alongside optical practice teams was an intriguing proposition, and a whole new experience for me.
“When I’m not at work, I love to spend time with my daughter. I also really enjoy a good mystery or crime book – Harlan Coben is one of my favourite authors!”
Optical Assistant
Kay has had many years of customer service, both in retail and Doctor’s surgeries. She is happiest when walking in the Somerset countryside with her dog.
Eyewear Stylist and Dry Eye Technician
Eloise joined us from another High Street Optical practice. She has been trained as an optical assistant and clinical technician and is supporting Tracy with Styling Consultations as well as helping to run our Dry Eye Clinics