ALTRINCHAM-based eyewear manufacturer Galaxy Optical has been named as one of Britain’s national champions in the European Business Awards.

Galaxy Optical impressed the judges with its strategy, innovation, customer service and contribution to the social environment. It is the first optical business to be shortlisted in the history of the award.

The privately owned company employs more than 300 people and provides a range of services for the optical industry, ranging from manufacturing to marketing, as well as call centre support. The business produces more than one million pairs of bespoke spectacles per year.

Sergio Weingarten, operations director for Galaxy Optical, said: “Our company motto is: ‘if we can measure, it we can improve it’.

"We’ve invested heavily in the latest optical glazing equipment and implemented several new processes over the last few years to increase productivity and customer service.

“Our innovative quality control system, for instance, has virtually eliminated human inspection fatigue. Combined with full traceability throughout every stage of the manufacturing process, this has resulted in a market-leading return rate of under one per cent and our highest ever customer satisfaction ratings.”

The European Business Awards, established in 2007, aims to shine a light on the most innovative businesses throughout Europe by promoting success, innovation and ethics in the European business community.

Galaxy Optical will now compete against the continent’s finest companies in the final stages of the awards in the employer of the year, award for customer focus and the business of the year categories.

Sergio added: “We’re excited to progress to the international stage of these major awards and are delighted that our sector leading innovation and customer service is achieving wider recognition.”