Latest news with #BlakesNews
Yahoo
23-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Key team member at Cowes opticians completes apprenticeship
A key team member at an independent opticians in Cowes has completed her optical apprenticeship. Charlotte Haynes, from Willetts and Doig Optometrists, has become a fully qualified optical assistant after an 18-month training period. The achievement highlights the practice's commitment to team development. During her apprenticeship, Charlotte worked as an optical assistant, gaining knowledge and skills to provide eye care. READ MORE: Isle of Wight newsagent Blakes News in Cowes bags Yodel award (Image: Supplied) She said: "My apprenticeship has given me the knowledge, skills and confidence to provide high-quality eye care to the community. "I've learned how to carry out pre-screening tests, assist patients in choosing the right eyewear and educate them on the importance of eye health." As a qualified optical assistant, Charlotte helps patients with frame selection, lens options and provides a tailored experience. Director Jake Tinney said: "Charlotte's incredible achievement perfectly reflects our ethos in providing high-quality eye care for the community. "We're really proud of Charlotte for completing the apprenticeship and it's a very well-deserved result considering the hard work and dedication that she has put into it."
Yahoo
20-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Island newsagent "thrilled" after bagging national award
A COWES Newsagent has become the second Isle of Wight store to win Yodel's 'Store of The Quarter' award for outstanding service levels. Blakes News beat competition from the Deliver to Yodel Store network of over 7,000 newsagents, convenience stores, petrol stations, and supermarkets nationwide, having handled nearly 4,000 parcels in the last quarter. The store had an outstanding five star average rating from Yodel's in-house Have Your Say customer feedback survey. The Cowes store has been at the heart of the local community since Amanda and her partner Phil opened the shop in 2006 and now run the store as a family business including their daughter, Courtney. Read more: Popular Isle of Wight newsagents win national Yodel award Amanda Belt, store owner, said: 'We're thrilled to have been recognised as the latest Store of the Quarter. It really is a testament to how close we are as a community and as a team here at Blakes News. 'Being a part of the Deliver to Yodel Store network has been a huge boost to our business; it's really driving footfall and allowing us to provide an essential service to those living nearby. It has been a pleasure seeing the store become a vibrant community hub.' Yodel has recently seen customer-to-customer volumes surge as a result of a rise in people buying and selling on second-hand marketplaces like Vinted and eBay. Thanks to its network of shops across the country, parcel senders and recipients alike are never far from a pick-up or drop-off point. Liam Rogan, the out of home Director, said: 'This award represents the dedication and hard work of Blakes News and their commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction. At Yodel, we want to celebrate the partners who help us to deliver reliable and efficient parcel services nationwide, and are committed to supporting and celebrating the continuous outstanding efforts in the Isle of Wight.' Last May, Farnsworth's in Nodehill, Newport, received the 'Store of the Quarter' award, in recognition of its outstanding customer support and service to the local community.
