Specsavers founders mark 40 years since Guernsey launch

Douglas and Dame Mary Perkins still live in the home where they started the business in 1984

Specsavers' founders celebrate 40 years since launching the business in Guernsey today.

The multinational company was started by Douglas and Dame Mary Perkins on a table-tennis table in their spare bedroom in 1984.

The company is now the world's largest privately owned eye care and audiology company with more than 2500 stores in 11 countries.

Dame Mary said her initial plan was to branch out to the UK and she never dreamt of expanding the business this far.

"We thought maybe at the time that in five years we might have 100 stores and that would be really ambitious and good, but you can't look 40 years ahead can you" she said.

'keep moving forward'

The table-tennis table used as a desk to start the business has been kept by the founders.

Dame Mary said "you could still use it" as she still has the bats and balls.

"It's on a stand now, but I tell young business people this, don't look for great big offices and spend money when you start.

"The spare room was our office, we could all sit round it, we had two employees at the time starting off, one of them is still working with us" she said.

Looking back at some of the key business decisions over the past 40 years, Dame Mary said she always employed people "who know a lot more" than she does.

"That way you keep moving forward, get them to move the company forward, that's what I stand by" she said.

Dame Mary was recognised in the 2007 Queen's Birthday Honours list for services to business and the community.

Dame Mary was recognised in the 2007 Queen's Birthday Honours list for services to business and the community.

She thanked the people of Guernsey for their contribution to the success of Specsavers.

"There is so much talent here, I love seeing people that come into work who have gone away to get a degree and come back to the island- I don't want to lose that."

The 40 year anniversary lands on the same day as Dame Mary turns 80-years-old.

To mark the occasion, events are due to be held at both the head office at Specsavers and its Market Street premises.