Banbury optician did go to Specsavers - and ran the business for 30 years

The team at the town’s Specsavers raised their glasses to store director to honour Paul Bridge, who has retired after more than four decades in the business.

The key moment was when he joined Specsavers some 30 years ago, having left school to work in the industry and going on to study to become a dispensing optician.

He, along with co-director, Nimish Desai, took on the joint venture partnership of Specsavers in Banbury in 1993 when then they had just six members of staff.

Over the next decade, Paul helped drive the business forward, which included the store being expanded from two test rooms to ten, alongside the inclusion of the latest hospital grade equipment.

Paul also worked tirelessly over the years to support the local community through charity and healthcare partnerships, to sport sponsorships and educational initiatives.

Nimish said: “Paul has certainly left a legacy here and will be very much missed. His calm, caring nature not only helped nurture and build a dedicated and committed team, but also built a wonderful loyal customer following.

“I feel especially privileged to have had him by my side as a business partner for all those years and it’s thanks to his leadership that the business has flourished over that time. My new store partner, Farzana Ahmed, and I are now in a strong position for the future as we continue to provide our ever-growing number of health services.”