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Specsavers founder gains recognition for her lifetime business achievements
SPECSAVERS founder Dame Mary Perkins has been given a lifetime achievement award for her impact on the business world.
The entrepreneur was recognised at the First Women Awards for her shrewd business sense and work ethic.
Dame Mary, who started the business in her spare bedroom with husband Doug in 1984, was also credited for encouraging women to succeed in the 1,600-strong chain of opticians.
Specsavers now has a turnover of around £800m. The awards, which recognise women at the top of their professions, were held in association with Lloyds Banking Group.
Diana Brightmore-Armour, chief of corporate banking at Lloyds, said: “This year’s winners are a tremendous example of the breadth of female talent.”