FMO pays tribute to Frank Norville OBE

Frank Norville OBE

The Federation of Manufacturing Opticians (FMO) has issued a statement today in response to news of the Norville Group falling into administration.

It states: “The FMO are very saddened to hear the Norville Group have been placed in administration. However, we are hopeful that both the retail division and laboratory division will both be able to rise again in some form.

“The Norville Group – and Frank Norville OBE in particular – have provided an immeasurable amount to UK optics over several decades. Coronavirus has already had a devastating effect on UK PLC and this is another demonstration of the cruel nature of this pandemic.”

FMO chairman, Stuart Burn, commented: “As a former chairman and honorary lifelong member of the FMO, Frank’s wisdom, integrity and expertise has often been called upon not just by the FMO, but by the wider optical community – and we hope this will continue to be the case in the months and years to come.”

FMO vice chairman, Andy Hepworth, added: “‘It feels a sad day for the optical industry to have lost such a foundation. I hope beyond these turbulent times the FMO will stay in close contact with Frank; thanks and stay well Frank.”