AN ACOCKS Green opticians has been handed a national award.
Banks Opticians beat off competition from eight national finalists to claim Practice of the Year at the Optical Success Academy’s premier prizes.
Conor Heaney, director of Optical Success Academy, travelled to Acocks Green last week to present brother and sister team Paul Banks and Sarah Morgan, who run the business, with their award and to praise them for the way they have bounced back from the pandemic.
Paul said: “Covid-19 was a horrible time for all of us, but we used the new way of working to really get to know our clients and understand what they wanted from an optician.
“This led us to introducing a better portfolio of lens type, unique eyewear and making sure we made even more time for people, so we understood their visual needs and what they expected from us.
“It seems like common sense now, but it has really helped us build on the outstanding reputation our father David already had.”
“We really wanted to showcase what Birmingham had to offer the sector, but never thought we would be named as the UK’s Practice of the Year, especially when we were competing against lots of excellent businesses.
“Hopefully, it will put the city on the optical map and help us with our growth plans.”
Originally called D J Banks Opticians, it was started in 1973 by Paul and Sarah’s father David Banks and, following his retirement in 2014, the brother and sister team have continued the family legacy by evolving the practice so it is in a perfect position to celebrate its 50th birthday next year.
