Boss of Manchester eyewear company Specscart shortlisted for Great British Entrepreneur Awards 2025

Trailblazer Sid Sethi kickstarted his optical company Specscart, in Manchester, in 2018.

Since then, the business has grown into a global retail and online force to be reckoned with and is on track for a 2025 turnover of £5m.

Specscart brings together a high street retail offering of three bricks and mortar shops across Greater Manchester with innovative e-commerce which sees the affordable glasses they make in-house at their Bury headquarters, delivered in 24 hours.

Sid’s innovation in retail has landed him a place as a finalist in the Retail Entrepreneur of the Year Award category for the North West.

He said: “This is a fantastic vote of confidence in Specscart’s retail prowess where we are reinventing what an opticians looks and feels like.

“Our flagship Bury studio is as cool as an Apple store and shopping for a new pair of glasses with Specscart is as much fun as picking out the perfect pair of trainers or lipstick.

“We love turning the industry standard of clinical, old-fashioned and quasi-medical opticians on its head and offering Specscart customers a bit of retail therapy when they choose new funky and fashionable Specscart frames.”

The Allica Bank Great British Entrepreneur Awards acknowledges the hard work and inspiring stories of entrepreneurs and businesses in the United Kingdom – and is known as the Grammys of entrepreneurship.

The Awards have celebrated some outstanding entrepreneurs who have gone on to become household names.

Previous winners include the founders of BrewDog, Tangle Teezer, The LAD Bible, Clearscore and The Cambridge Satchel Company.

Frankie James, founder of the Great British Entrepreneur Awards, said: “The quality and diversity of entries we’ve received this year is nothing short of remarkable. From founders building global brands to those transforming their local communities, this shortlist is packed with entrepreneurs who are shaping the future of the UK economy. We’re thrilled to celebrate them and shine a light on their achievements.”

Sid will join 1,500 other entrepreneurs, investors and business leaders at the award ceremony on November 17 at London’s Grosvenor House hotel. The event will see all eight regional shortlists brought together to crown the winners of each region.

To find out more visit www.specscart.co.uk.