1. Who are you, what is your role, and how long have you worked for Scrivens?
“Helen Bamforth – Branch Manager for just over 10 years”
2. What’s it like working at Scrivens?
“I always think working at Scrivens as a Manager is like owning your own opticians. You only get out what you are prepared to put in, you are accountable for everything day to day to ensure a smooth-running good business and also have so much support around you whenever you need it, whether its other Managers, Area Managers, Trainers, IT or HR”
3. What makes the team here different?
“We treat everyone that walks through our doors like family and offer a personalised service to all, but, they also understand the goals and how we are going to achieve them together.”
4. What do you enjoy most about your role?
“Making a difference to someone’s day, whether it’s simply putting a smile on a patients face, witness someone hear better or help someone choose a new look. As long as someone leaves my branch happy I know I have done a great job.”
5. What made you choose this career?
“I started in Optics 30 years ago as my Mum worked as a receptionist and I thought it looked a fun and interesting job. I started as a temporary Sales Advisor position, progressing into other roles before starting at Scrivens as Branch Manager.”
6. What does a typical day look like?
“In branch by 8am or before setting the branch for the day ahead, checking everything is ready to go! Team Huddle at 8.40am to discuss the clinic / concerns & check in with the team to ensure everyone’s motivated for the day. Our doors are open by 8.50am ready to greet our first customer. Being prepared and communicating throughout the day is a minimum. Post lunch review with our professional so we know how the day is going with an update on google reviews received so far for the day and at the end of the day we reflect and celebrate.”
7. What’s one common misconception about your role?
“That being a manager is a sit down/background role – it’s completely the opposite, it’s a very hands-on role. Simply put I wouldn’t expect my team to do anything I wouldn’t do myself, while leading from the front – mix these with an abundance of energy, motivation and enthusiasm.”
8. How has your role changed since you started?
“We have computers now!! There’s newer technology leading to updated training giving the latest products to offer our patients. My own role has changed in terms of branch growth, people know us, we have built very good relationships in the community creating ‘the family community optician’ in the village.”
9. What advice would you give to someone wanting to work as a branch manager?
“Working as a Manager is a dream role providing you are committed, have a plan and review it regularly. You need to be prepared to get out and about to know your people in the local community, schools, neighbouring villages – nothing is unachievable if you put the work in.”
10. What kind of projects have you worked on that you’re especially proud of?
“Turning Chapel around from an underperforming store testing 1 -2 days a week to testing 5 days a week Hearing/Optical in a year. Working locally in the community with a can do attitude to get the Company Name out, maintaining a social media presence to gather branch followers while asking everyone who walks through our doors for a review to support our branch to develop and grow. From a personal achievement fundraising for Myeloma UK raising over £32,000 to date with a skydive planned in July.”
