Doug Perkins receives CBE

Doug Perkins, co-founder and chairman of Specsavers, was formally presented with a Commander of the British Empire (CBE) honour by the Princess Royal during an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle on Thursday (15 January).

Perkins was recognised with the CBE for services to business and trade and listed in the King’s Birthday Honours list last summer.

Marking the honour, Perkins was joined by his wife and fellow Specsavers co-founder Dame Mary, alongside their two daughters, Cathryn and Julie.

During the investiture ceremony, awards were also presented to artistic director of the National Theatre, Rufus Norris, Greggs CEO, Roisin Currie, and BBC Radio 4 journalist, Martha Kearney.

Describing the day, Perkins said: “The entire ceremony was so well organised considering the enormous number of people attending and I came away extremely motivated by our conversation.”

He found it “really fortuitous that the investiture was hosted by the Princess Royal,” as she had recently visited the multiple’s manufacturing and distribution site in Kidderminster.

“She appeared genuinely interested in the work that we do in the community and understood about our joint venture business model,” Perkins said.

Specsavers was founded by Doug and Dame Mary in 1984. Today, there are more than 1000 practices in the UK, and 3000 worldwide.

Perkins said: “This award isn’t really for me – it’s recognition of the 45,000 people who work for Specsavers and our ophthalmic surgery business, Newmedica, and their dedication to changing people’s lives through better sight and hearing.”