Bayfields acquires three new practices

Royston Bayfield

Bayfields Opticians and Audiologists has acquired another three practices as part of its growth strategy to more than double in size by 2023.

The independent opticians and audiologists group, backed by investor BGF, has acquired two practices in Knaresborough, North Yorkshire, and one in London.

As part of the transactions, Darryl Taylor Optometrists and Samantha Parker Opticians of Knaresborough will merge to form one practice, with new audiology services. Darryl will retire from his role, while Samantha will hand over the management reins and return to an operational role as an optometrist. In addition, Bayfields has acquired E. Aves Opticians in South Woodford, London. The team will remain in place, with the owner retiring. The practices will be rebranded in due course.

Royston Bayfield, founder and CEO, commented: “We’re delighted to welcome all three businesses into the Bayfields family. Each practice closely aligns with our overall aim to be an integral part of the local community – taking the time to understand every client’s personal and family circumstances, which is reflected in the importance we place on our client journey.”

In March 2020, BGF invested in Bayfields to support the group’s organic growth – including further roll-out of its audiology services – as well as its acquisition strategy.

In recent months, Bayfields has invested £300,000 in state-of-the-art technology, which allows each team to carry out clinics in a Covid-secure way – creating what the company describes as a “hospital grade clinical environment”.

The group now has 22 practices and aims to grow to 30 by the end of 2021, and to 40 by 2023.