“We were there too” say Independent Superheroes

Serving local communities during lockdown

More than 75 independent practices have collaborated on an Independent Superheroes video to assure patients that “we were there for you too” during lockdown.

The video was created by Simon Burgess of optical training consultancy Think Training, in part as a response to feedback from independent practitioners about a nationwide advertising campaign by a High Street multiple that centred on a ‘We were there’ message.

Simon told DO Online: ” I know that a lot of independents continued to work where possible, and in very difficult circumstances, to serve their own communities. I wanted to offer my support to show the nation that they are very much appreciated, and that they were also there caring for the nation.

“I was happy to provide my time for free to create the video, blowing the trumpet of the Independent Superheroes. And although we don’t have a budget to be able to pay for a TV commercial, we can definitely share it on social media to show the UK that independents were also there caring.”

Simon, who has been working in the optical business for more than 34 years, came up with the idea from his weekly Zoom meeting with his optical business clubs consisting of practice owners all over the UK.

He explained: “As we are unable to physically meet during lockdown, I provided additional free benefits such as marketing creation, including posters for the practice as well as re-writing recall letters and a keep-in-touch postcard for their patients. I then had the idea to offer a free Welcome Back animation and spoke to Richard Hollings at Seiko Optical and Specs Network to offer my animation free for all independents.

“After seeing the feedback from independent opticians upset about the nation forgetting them, I got to work and asked for entrants so I could put together the Independent Superheroes video.”

Simon has also created some free training courses for Welcoming Staff back into the practice – and is offering to create a bespoke video for any independents who missed out on the Independent Superheroes video.

Contact Simon direct for more details and cost, by emailing simon@thinkconsult.co.uk

Watch the Independent Superheroes video here.