Change of commercial direction

Stuart Neilson is the new commercial director at Duncan and Todd

Stuart Neilson has left his role as managing director of mark’ennovy to take up the newly created position of commercial director at the Duncan and Todd Group.

Stuart has some 20 years’ experience in the optical and hearing sectors.

He said: “I’m excited to be joining Duncan and Todd at a time when it is experiencing considerable growth both geographically and through the provision of additional services,” said Stuart. “This is a company that has been build on a strong foundation of quality and customer service and the fact that it has just celebrated its 50th anniversary confirms how much this has played a part in the long-lasting and continuing company success.

“I’m looking forward to supporting the group as it continues to grow, expanding its reach across the UK to bring its expertise and innovation to a new cohort of customers,” he added.

The group recently acquired a number of independent opticians, including Eyewise Optometrists on Banchory’s High Street, Pitlochry Opticians, GA Henderson Optometrist in Thurso and the Spectacle Company in Stonehaven and Montrose. This followed the acquisition of nine practices from Black & Lizars in 2019.

Frances Rus, managing director of Duncan and Todd Group, commented: “We are delighted to have Stuart on board as our new commercial director, as we continue to grow through acquisitions and investment in our new lens manufacturing lab, which will considerably increase our production capacity,” she said. “He brings significant experience in the optical sector and we look forward to continued growth in the coming months.”

Last year, Duncan and Todd Group celebrated its 50th anniversary, marking the occasion with a multi-million pound investment in a new manufacturing lab in addition to its newest acquisitions. The new lab – expected to open in Dyce, Aberdeen, in the next few weeks – represents a major investment in premises for the group’s manufacturing arm Caledonian Optical and the very latest equipment for manufacturing bespoke lenses for customers.