EYES on Small Business Heroes

EYES on St Albans Shortlisted for High Street Hero Award!

EYES on St Albans has been shortlisted as one of the UK’s top independent businesses in the High Street Hero category at The Small Awards by Small Business Britain.

Chosen from thousands of entries across the country, EYES made it through to the final eight businesses nationally and attended the awards evening in London alongside some of the UK’s most inspiring small business owners.

While EYES didn’t take home the overall award, the evening was still an incredible celebration of independent business, creativity and community spirit.

“It was such a positive night,” says Jez Levy from EYES on St Albans. “The energy in the room was brilliant. So many amazing small businesses all supporting each other and sharing their stories.”

The High Street Hero category celebrates businesses making a real difference within their communities – something EYES has proudly championed since opening in Marshalswick.

Known for independent eyewear collections, personalised styling and a very different approach to the traditional opticians experience, EYES has become a well-known part of the St Albans independent business community.

The evening also included a particularly memorable moment when awards host Sue Perkins tried on a pair of JL Spex frames alongside Small Business Britain founder Michelle Ovens CBE.

Designed by Jez and handcrafted in Italy, the JL Spex collection reflects the bold, independent personality that has become synonymous with EYES on St Albans.

“It’s always lovely seeing somebody react to finding a frame that really suits them,” says Jez. “Sue looked absolutely fabulous.”

Most importantly, the evening reinforced something the EYES team has always believed:

Independent businesses matter.

Not just for local economies, but for creativity, personality, community and human connection too.

And being recognised nationally alongside so many brilliant small businesses felt like a huge honour.