A new era is dawning for the Rugeley branch of Scrivens Opticians & Hearing Care, as audiologist Stuart Spencer retires after 10 years at the branch and 45 years with the company.
Local customers need not worry, though – the full five-day-a-week hearing clinic Stuart built will continue in his absence.
Stuart joined Scrivens in 1981 as a trainee Hearing Aid Dispenser and went on to become one of the most influential figures in the profession nationally, training hundreds of Hearing Aid Audiologists across the UK – at one point reportedly responsible for training as many as half of the country’s then-practising audiologists.
A decade ago he stepped back from his national role to return to frontline audiology in Rugeley, where the branch then ran just a half-day hearing clinic a week. Through his professionalism and the trust he built with customers, Stuart grew that into a full five-day service.
His contribution was recognised in 2022 with the Sasha Georgevic Award, Scrivens’ most prestigious employee accolade.
Stuart said: “I have enjoyed a long and incredibly rewarding career, and I am grateful to Scrivens for giving me the opportunity to grow and develop in so many different directions over the years. It has been a privilege to work with so many talented colleagues and to care for so many customers – I will miss them all greatly.”
Mark Georgevic, Group Legal Director at Scrivens, added: “Stuart has achieved legendary status during his time at Scrivens. From humble beginnings as a trainee, he rose to become a defining figure in our hearing business – and in the wider profession. We wish Stuart a wonderful and richly earned retirement.”
Scrivens Opticians & Hearing Care is a family run business established in 1938. It has 166 stores across England and Wales, with over 1,000 employees. For more information, visit www.scrivens.com.
