Founder of Specsavers to speak at Jersey at IoD lunch event

James Qualtrough | October 23, 2012 | 0 Comments

Dame Mary Perkins, founder of Specsavers, will be the guest speaker at the next IoD Jersey branch lunch event.

The topic of the lunch, which will take place at the Grand Jersey on Tuesday 6th November, will be ‘The Green Blood Club of Specsavers’.

Having set up Specsavers with husband Doug in 1984, the business has now grown to become the largest privately-owned optical company in the world. After qualifying as an optometrist from Cardiff University, Dame Mary bought out her father’s optical business when he retired. With husband Doug, she went on to build up a chain of family-friendly opticians in the West Country and Wales. In 1981 they sold up and relocated to Guernsey where the concept of Specsavers was born. Specsavers now boasts the largest share of the UK optical market and has a presence in ten other countries, including Spain, Finland, the Netherlands, Australia and New Zealand.

Beyond her role as Specsavers co-founder, she is a patron for both everywoman, a charity dedicated to leading the advancement of women in business, and Kidscape, the anti-bullying charity. She is also ambassador to numerous other charities and an Honorary Chartered Director of the IoD. She was honoured by the Queen and given the title ‘Dame’ in 2007 for her services to business and the community. In the same year she was also named most outstanding woman in business at the National Business Awards.

‘The Green Blood Club’ relates to Specsavers’ vision and values of treating people, and involves developing meaningful and respectful relationships with customers, personnel, partners and the community.

Steven Hunt, Chairman of the Jersey IoD Events sub-committee, said:

“We are thrilled to invite Dame Mary Perkins to be our guest speaker this month. As co-founder of an internationally renowned Channel Islands business her story is an inspiration to us all. Justly recognised as an Honorary Chartered Director of the Institute of Directors, we look forward to hearing some fascinating insights into Specsavers’ distinguished ‘green-blooded’ cultural values.”

The IoD lunch club event is on Tuesday 6th November at the Grand Jersey and is open to both members and non-members of the IoD. The lunch starts with drinks from 12:15pm. Tickets are £25, inclusive of drinks and a two-course lunch, wine and coffee, and can be purchased from the IoD Branch Officer, Kirsten Higgins on 610799 or jedirector@localdial.com.