Supporting long term growth – How strategic advice has helped Clare & Illingworth evolve its business

For more than 20 years, we’ve worked alongside independent optometry practice Clare & Illingworth, supporting the business through every stage of its growth. While our relationship began with compliance and accounting services, it has developed into a trusted strategic partnership that helps the leadership team make commercial decisions with confidence, identify new opportunities and invest in the future. 

Most recently, we have advised Clare & Illingworth as it expands its specialist dry eye services, adding new clinical expertise and technology while continuing to strengthen its reputation for premium eyecare and eyewear across Cheshire. 

Building a business with a long-term vision 

Founded in 1990 by Derek Clare and Alyson Illingworth, Clare & Illingworth has built a brilliant reputation for delivering accessible, high-quality eyecare from its two sites in Knutsford and Wilmslow. Alongside its clinical service, the business has become known for its curated collection of premium eyewear, combining healthcare expertise with a personalised customer experience. 

Since 2005, we’ve worked closely with the business as it has evolved. As the business has grown, we’ve become a trusted partner for the leadership team, helping them assess investment opportunities, navigate changing economic conditions and plan for sustainable, long-term growth. 

Moving beyond compliance to strategic advice 

For growing businesses, financial reporting is only one part of the picture. Having access to commercial advice that supports informed decision-making can be just as valuable. 

By maintaining regular conversations with the Clare & Illingworth team, we’re able to provide strategic guidance informed by both the business’s ambitions and the wider market landscape. Whether that’s discussing investment decisions, planning for growth or considering the impact of economic change, we help the business move forward with confidence. 

James Wood, Accounts Partner at JS, said: “Clare & Illingworth is a great example of a small business that has flourished since it was founded. Richard and the team are building clinical capability while maintaining a premium, customer-first offer, which is a rare combination in a competitive market.

“Our role is to provide accounts support and commercial advice that helps them maintain momentum - asking the right questions, sense-checking decisions and making sure the business is set up to invest confidently as it evolves its services.”

Supporting investment in specialist services 

One of the most significant developments for the business has been the expansion of its specialist dry eye services. 

Recognising growing demand for more advanced treatment options, Clare & Illingworth has invested in dedicated equipment, enhanced clinical expertise and a specialist service model that allows patients with chronic eye conditions to receive ongoing assessment and treatment. 

As part of this continued investment, the business has welcomed dry eye specialist Imran Awan and is further developing the team’s clinical capabilities through additional training and professional certifications. 

The practice has also introduced Omnigen, an advanced natural amniotic membrane treatment that supports the repair of the eye’s surface in ore complex dry eye cases, further strengthening its specialist offering. 

Richard Clare, Managing Director at Clare & Illingworth, said: “We’ve always been clear on what we want to be - accessible, patient-focused eyecare with a premium product and experience. As we’ve grown our dry eye services, we’ve made a conscious decision to invest in the right expertise and equipment, without losing what our customers value about us.

“Running a business like ours means there are constant changes we need to navigate, from costs and regulation through to new service opportunities. Having JS as a trusted adviser throughout these changes has provided us with reassurance that we are making the right decisions to continue to grow revenue and allowing the leadership team to focus on business development and the future of the company.”

A trusted adviser through every stage of growth 

Strategic growth often requires businesses to make significant investment decisions while balancing financial performance, operational pressures and changing market conditions. 

By understanding Clare & Illingworth’s long-term objectives, we’re able to provide advice that supports sustainable growth rather than short-term decision-making. That trusted relationship has helped the leadership team invest confidently while remaining focused on delivering an exceptional patient experience.