Manchester eyewear company Brulimar Optical secures six-figure funding for overseas deals

Optical products importer Brulimar Optical Group has cemented a series of new joint ventures with overseas manufacturers after signing a six-figure funding deal with Allied Irish Bank (GB).

The Manchester firm struck deals with Chinese optical frame and case manufacturers that will see products supplied directly to UK-based independent opticians and multiples at manufacturer prices.

Brulimar said the deal safeguards its trade and relationship with customers.

Allied Irish Bank (GB)’s senior relationship manager Simon King and relationship manager Danny Pennington developed the six-figure funding deal for Brulimar Optical Group.

Howard Librae, director at Brulimar, said: “We are pleased that we have been able to secure the joint ventures with our overseas manufacturers.

“As importers we have noticed that a significant amount of trade is now being done directly between manufacturers and retailers, which is cutting out our position in the supply chain.”

He continued: “By forming joint ventures with the manufacturers we are protecting our place in the market.

“We can now offer sales to them at manufacturer direct prices but with the added benefit of no minimum volume requirements so they do not have to acquire large amounts of stock to take advantage of cheaper prices.”

Founded in 1978, Brulimar imports and distributes prescription eyewear to both independent opticians and multiples.

The company also designs and manufactures a number of eyewear brands, including Dennis Taylor, James Dean Optical, Bench, Lee Cooper and Pineapple.

Daniel Pennington commented: “The team at Brulimar Optical Group have great foresight and we have been impressed by the strategy they have taken to protect their long term business.

“We are enjoying working with the company and I am pleased that we have been able to support them with funding to back the joint ventures.”