UK high street chain Leightons targets growth and recruitment

Leightons Opticians and Hearing Care is recruiting for a host of new roles as part of an investment plan ahead of its 100th anniversary in 2028. The company is keen to keep up the momentum of a successful 2023, having recruited 36 hearing aid audiologists and 24 optometrists since the beginning of that year.

CEO Ryan Leighton stressed the need to find professionals to join Leightons as employees or partners. “We’re keen to attract highly skilled, passionate, and caring clinicians that will join us on our journey and help provide the person-centred care we’ve become known for,” says Leighton.

The group is also seeking to expand its joint venture partnerships, which allow the chance to buy into the business and work alongside Leightons.

“Our existing joint venture in Totton and previously in Marlow and Windsor have been really successful so we’re looking to repeat this success and give practitioners the freedom to follow their passion to create a differentiated and elevated experience within their community,” said Ryan Leighton.

Leightons brings in £26.5m in revenue from audiology

In addition to its 35 branches across the South of England, including four franchises and one joint venture, Leightons operates The Hearing Care Partnership, which manages an audiology service to around 300 optical practices across England, Northern Ireland, and Wales.

The group claims rapid growth in 2023 (42% year-on-year) and calculates the combined audiology part of the business – bringing together Leightons and The Hearing Care Partnership –  to be worth £26.5m in revenue. On the ground, the company currently has 431 employees across both businesses including the central support function, and the company has a stated commitment to diversity and inclusion.

“Leightons really is a very special place to work – our employees genuinely care and have an interest in their customers and we provide an environment that truly maximises their potential and allows staff to be themselves at work and live life to the full,” says Managing Director Rebecca Sharp.

Source: Leightons