Chipping Norton’s new Specsavers store, the 1,010th in the UK, was officially opened on May 8 with a launch event featuring Gerald Cooper of Clarkson’s Farm and Instagram gardening sensation Gerald Stratford famed for his giant veg.

Guests were treated to sweet and savoury refreshments, including slices of a celebratory cake.

Sundeep Rana, optical director at Specsavers Chipping Norton, said: “We were overwhelmed with the support we received as part of the official opening.

“It was fantastic to celebrate all of the hard work that has gone into getting the store ready to open.

“Making sure we are supporting and playing a part in the local community is something that is extremely important to us.

“Yes, we want to provide the very best eye and ear care service, but making sure we are giving back is also part of who we are as a business.”

The team at Specsavers Chipping Norton (Image: Specsavers)

The new store is operated by optical directors Mr Rana, Trevor Robinson, and Cathy Mullen, alongside audiology director Sebastian de Scarfo.

The store team has close community ties and sponsors Chipping Norton & District Cricket Club and Chipping Norton Swifts FC.

Representatives from both clubs, as well as charity partner Age UK, were invited to the launch event.

To mark the opening, the team donated £2,000 to Prostate Cancer UK.

Mr Rana, Ms Mullen, and Mr Robinson also run Specsavers Witney and collectively have more than 80 years’ experience in optical care.

Mr Robinson, optical director, said: “It was wonderful to welcome so many people to our launch.

“It felt like the culmination of lots of work behind the scenes, and to have so much support shown to us and the whole team was just brilliant.

“Now we’re looking forward to making sure we look after all the eye and ear care needs of the community as well as continuing to support the local causes and initiatives that are important to us.”

The store offers audiology appointments seven days a week in addition to its full range of eyecare services.

It also hosts a monthly ‘Chatterbox’ event at Lower Town Hall on the second Tuesday of each month in partnership with Age UK.

Specsavers Chipping Norton at 19 High Street, is open from 9am to 5.30pm Monday to Saturday and from 10am to 4pm on Sundays.

Appointments can be booked by calling 01608 691280, visiting www.specasvers.co.uk/stores/chippingnorton, or by popping into the store in person.

The pledge comes as part of Dalcour Maclaren’s newly published Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Impact Report 2025-26, which outlines progress to date and maps out further sustainability targets.

One highlight of the report is the company’s transition to 100 per cent renewable electricity across all offices under its control.

Francesca Herratt, chief financial officer at Dalcour Maclaren, said: “ESG is embedded in how we operate and how we make decisions.

“This report sets out where we are today – not just where we aspire to be – and establishes a clear baseline against which we will track progress year-on-year.”

Additional achievements include zero Scope 1 emissions, an 18 per cent reduction in energy use intensity, and the introduction of decarbonised heating systems.

The company has also enhanced its carbon measurement processes by establishing a baseline for business travel emissions.

Social impact is another focus, with a gender-balanced workforce and 23 per cent of employees in early career or ‘Earn and Learn’ roles.

Its employee Net Promoter Score (eNPS) stands at +43, placing it in the upper tier globally.

On governance, the company has implemented a formal ESG framework aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and holds five ISO certifications.

James Neil, chief executive at Dalcour Maclaren, said: “Our ESG focus is more important than ever at DM, and our aim is to be leading this in our industry, working closely with our clients so that we achieve our shared goals.”

The retailer is rolling out a new Healthcare Ambassador Accreditation to 75 stores, with plans to expand further.

The scheme will equip trained staff to offer advice on minor health concerns such as coughs, sore throats, and headaches.

Customers will also be able to ask for guidance on over-the-counter treatments and supplements.

SPF isn’t just for summer ☀️ Our B. Mens Mattifying SPF 50+ moisturiser provides broad‑spectrum UVA & UVB protection with a lightweight, fast‑absorbing, matte finish for oily skin👌 Buy 1 get 1 free on selected B. Mens https://t.co/S2gwQwTo02 pic.twitter.com/aYY299Jkj4

— Superdrug (@superdrug) May 12, 2026

Simon Comins, Superdrug’s chief operating officer, said: “People are increasingly looking for convenient, trusted support with everyday health concerns, and the high street has an important role to play.

“This programme builds on the strong foundations already in place across Superdrug stores, giving colleagues even greater confidence to help customers with everyday health needs and ensuring they offer clear, responsible advice at the right moment.”

Superdrug said demand for accessible health support continues to grow.

The eight-week training course is designed to give employees the confidence and knowledge to offer sound health guidance in-store.

Superdrug’s own research found 66 per cent of customers view health and beauty retailers as playing a growing role in everyday healthcare, and 65 per cent want more in-store support.

Customers are seeking support including advice on sleep, over-the-counter treatments, help with minor illnesses and symptoms such as sore throats, coughs and headaches, and guidance on vitamins and supplements.

Mr Comins added: “As demand for accessible healthcare support grows, it is important that our teams are equipped to respond safely and confidently.”

The company stressed the importance of clear, responsible advice being given at the right moment, especially as more people look to the high street for everyday support.

The scheme will continue to be rolled out to more Superdrug locations over the coming months.