The independent optometry group won the Outstanding Performing Business (under 50 employees) category at last week’s glittering award ceremony held at Seamill Hydro attended by 350 of Ayrshire’s top business people. The annual Ayrshire Chamber event was this year hosted by television’s Jackie Brambles and sponsored by Munro Partnership.
Recognising a combination of growth, leadership and customer experience, the Ayrshire Business Award comes as Urquharts celebrate their 100th anniversary and reflects the remarkable turnaround experienced by the business in the past two years. In late 2014, entrepreneur Peter Telfer and optometrist Alistair Duff took the helm at Urquhart Opticians, and have since invested a six figure sum in transforming the group’s four practices to offer clients advanced clinical care alongside contemporary, elegant eyewear in smart, stylish surroundings. Having recently remodelled their flagship Kilmarnock practice, the young entrepreneurs now have their sights set on upgrading their Prestwick, Troon and Glasgow practices, with one eye also on growing their team and potential acquisitions.
“We are thrilled to be named Outstanding Performing Business of the Year, and to have been shortlisted also as Independent Retailer of the Year,” said Alistair Duff.
“To be recognised by our peers here in Ayrshire is such an honour, and it is a great reflection on the dedication, hard work and vision of everyone who has supported all of the team in developing and achieving our ambitions for Urquharts.”
Peter Telfer added: “Winning an Ayrshire Business Award in Urquhart Opticians’ centenary year is the icing on what was already a very special birthday cake. I’d like to thank all of our colleagues and our clients for their support over the past couple of years and to the Ayrshire Chamber, the award sponsors and the judges for this fantastic recognition. We are very honoured to carry the name of Urquhart Opticians, and are fiercely proud of the heritage and of our position as independent practitioners in a market dominated by multiples.
“We’re also very proud to be one of two Kilmarnock businesses recognised at the Ayrshire Business Awards after our fellow Kilmarnock Business Association member, Craig Hume of Utopia Computers, won Entrepreneur of the Year. It’s a great reflection of the ambition, vision and success of local, Kilmarnock businesses.”