Power to the people at Optimum

Optimum’s senior leadership team

Optimum Rx Group is celebrating a major milestone as its chairman, Paul Bailey, officially steps down following the successful transition of the business into employee ownership.

After 15 years of ownership, Paul leaves behind a company “transformed from a small independent laboratory into one of the UK’s most recognised independent optical laboratories, with its future now secured in the hands of the people who have helped build its success”, the company stated.

When Paul Bailey acquired the business, Optimum employed fewer than 16 people and generated annual sales of less than £1m. Today, the company employs more than 80 employee owners, has annual turnover exceeding £8m, and has become one of the largest employers in the local area.

The move to an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) represents the fulfilment of Paul’s long-term vision; “ensuring Optimum’s continued independence and future success remain with the people who know the business best – its employees”.

Former sales director, Mark Marland, has also now stepped down from his directorships and ended his consultancy with Optimum.

The company employs more than 80 people

The company will continue to be led by its senior leadership team comprising of: Andrew Evans, managing director; Tony Calvo, innovation director; Kate Child, commercial director; and Kate Chaplow, head of people and culture.

Optimum also welcomes Andrew Jardine as head of operations, and Tim Precious as employee trust director, supporting the governance and long-term stewardship of the EOT.

Paul Bailey said: “I am immensely proud of everything we have achieved over the last 15 years. We set out with an ambitious goal to become the most recognised independent laboratory in the UK while protecting the independence and values that make Optimum special. Looking at where we are today, I believe we have achieved everything we hoped for and more.

Paul Bailey and Mark Marland toast the company’s success

“What gives me the greatest satisfaction is knowing the business now belongs to its employees. The talented and passionate people at Optimum have built this company, and they are the right people to take it forward into its next exciting chapter.

“Employee ownership is a fantastic way to secure the future of a business while recognising and rewarding the people who have contributed to its success. I would encourage any business owner thinking about succession planning to explore the opportunities this model provides,” Paul concluded.