Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland Labour MP, Tom Blenkinsop, yesterday (December 14th 2015) praised a local Loftus optician and his staff for winning a prestigious national prize for “Best Local Optical Practice 2015” which was awarded by the national Optical Success Academy.
The practice, Loftus Optical, is based in Loftus’ Zetland Road, and is headed by optician, John Prouse.
Tom said:
“This is a testament to a small caring practice in East Cleveland, John, an optician for the past decade and his staff have built up a great reputation in the area, and this award is a testament to this. He was voted the winner by fellow members at the OSA Annual Conference. John was one of 7 finalists who presented the results they have achieved in their business with Optical Success Academy. As the winner John won an on-site visit and day of consulting from one of Britain’s leading opticians, Manchester based Jones and Company as well as a 1000 Euro prize to underwrite a European Optical Trade Fair trip. This is a classic example of local good practice and one which has now made a national mark.”
John Prouse said:
“I started the practice from scratch 4 years ago after converting an old carpet shop into an Opticians. When starting out I would never have dreamt that in a few years’ time I would win such an award. The business has been built on reputation and word of mouth for providing a first class service. I work hard and continually invest in the latest equipment to compete with the best Opticians throughout Great Britain and I am proud to have put Loftus on the map! I hope the recognition encourages any local budding Entrepreneurs out there to make their business dreams a reality and invest in the local area. One of my favourite quotes is by the boxer Mohammed Ali who said, ‘Don’t count the days. Make the days count!’”
The award was backed by John’s local Redcar and Cleveland Councillor, Eric Jackson.
Eric said:
“This is a wonderful achievement for John and his staff operating from a small town like Loftus. It also shows that even among all the recent bad news on local job losses independent businesses can gain national recognition.”