Loan helps pair buy business

A loan from Lancashire Community Finance has helped two experienced St Annes opticians to launch their own business.

Optometrist Lindsey Taylor and dispensing optician Tina Swift used the Government backed Start Up Loan scheme to buy Claire Hindmarch Opticians on St Andrews Road South, St Annes, when they saw it come up for sale late last year.

New business owner, Lindsey Taylor, said: “With 35 years’ experience between us, we had always dreamt of running our own business. So when we saw such a well-respected business in our own local area was up for sale, we jumped at the chance.

“The business already has a wonderful, loyal customer base so we’ve been busy from day one, which is great. We’re currently running some good promotions to attract new customers too, such as free contact lens trials including varifocal contact lenses. We also offer low vision services for sight impaired, post-operation cataract assessments and dry eye management.

“Glasses start from £30 and we carry free NHS and designer ranges, so we welcome one and all to pop in and see us to see what’s on offer.”

Lancashire Community Finance provides personal loans, business start-up loans and home improvement loans to provide a better alternative to high cost lenders and finance schemes.

Matthew Rimmer of Lancashire Community Finance said: “As the local delivery partner for Start Up Loans, a Government backed national initiative aimed at ambitious people who want to start their own business, we can offer business start-ups loans from as little as £250 up to £25,000 per person paid back within 1-5 years at fixed 6.0% PA with no arrangement fees. Applicants don’t just get financial help, they also get business support, with all successful loan applicants provided with a business mentor to help guide them on their path to success.

“We are very pleased to have been able to help Lindsey and Tina to become business owners in their own community, applying their many years of expertise.”

To book an appointment with Claire Hindmarch Opticians, call 01253 729988 or call into the shop on St Andrews Road South, Lytham St Annes. For more information on Lancashire Community Finance go to www.lancashirecommunityfinance.co.uk, call 0344 5611292, or call into the offices near the Corn Exchange pub on Fleet Street, Preston.