SPECSAVERS in Cwmbran has made a key promotion with Mark Edwards stepping into the role of retail director.

Mr Edwards, 46, born in Pontypool and now living in Abertillery, will help manage the day-to-day running of the Llewellyn Walk store, overseeing all elements of retail operations including customer service, staffing and the store’s strategic development.

Having previously worked as a regional consultant for the opticians, operating in the UK and Australia, Mr Edwards brings eight years of experience to the Cwmbran store.

Mr Edwards, said: "I’m excited to take on this new position and to build on the great reputation the store already has.

"I’ve worked across the world over the past 15 years, so I’m eager to settle down in the local community and use the experience I’ve gained to help drive the business forward and ensure customers receive the best possible service."

The store has also sought to develop the skills of its staff, providing professional, recognised qualifications that will allow the team to hone their expertise in child optometry.

Ten employees in the Cwmbran Specsavers will be undertaking the year-long Pearson BTEC level 6 study course. In addition to the child optometry qualifications, three members of staff in the store’s audiology department are undertaking The Foundation Degree in Hearing Aid Audiology and the Hearcare Clinical Assistant qualification this year.

Rhys Williams, store director at Specsavers in Cwmbran, said: "As well as bringing in experienced people like Mark, it’s also essential we invest in our existing staff too as we recognise the value of a highly-skilled workforce.

"Our staff are a reflection of the company’s principles, so it’s important we have a team who are eager to continually learn and develop their skills. Providing on-going training ensures that our staff are able to offer the best possible service to adults and children alike and strengthen the company’s reputation as a high-quality opticians.

"I have no doubt that these qualifications in both optometry and audiology will improve customer experience and equip our staff with important, useful skills that will help them progress their careers here and achieve success in the future."