Dame Mary Perkins, Co-Founder of Specsavers: Have a passion or don't do it

Friday, 08 March 2019

A British entrepreneur who founded the optical and audiology business Specsavers with her husband Doug, who she met when they were both studying to become optometrists at Cardiff University in the 60s.  

She still plays an active role in the company and is passionate about driving customer service standards, championing values and shaping corporate responsibility.

Dame Mary is involved with a number of national and international charities, including Modern Muse, a charity founded by everywoman that inspires and empowers girls to make more informed career decisions. She was made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 2007 for her services to business and the community. 

She is also a Liveryman of Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers and a Freeman of the City of London.

Dame Mary’s Top Tips

• The trick of the trade for entrepreneurs is to have a passion. Unless you've got that passion and knowledge of your customers and what they want, you might as well not do it. You have to think about that from the moment you wake up every morning 'til the moment you go to bed at night.
• If you get to number one, always act as though you’re number two. It’s a steep slope down if you take your eye off the ball and become complacent.