A VISIONARY group of independent opticians is celebrating a big success after being named the best small company to work for in the UK.

The Bolton-based Hakim Group won the coveted title in the Sunday Times’ Best Company list.

And it’s a double success for the town as bread giant Warburtons also made it onto the list as one of the best big companies to work for.

The Hakim Group was founded in 2006 by entrepreneur Imran Hakim and since then he has worked with a number of entrepreneurial initiatives including mentoring students at Bolton University.

He originally found fame as one of BBC’s Dragon’s Den’s biggest success stories after he successfully received investment for his invention, the iTeddy, which became a worldwide best seller.

He said he was “absolutely delighted” by the honour. But since the company treats team members to spa retreats and ski trips to Switzerland, it was no surprise that judges were so impressed.

Mr Hakim, who also received a special award as the Best Leader, said: “It’s one thing to have made the list for the second year running but to have achieved such a fantastic position within the list truly shows how much our team members have grown together over the last 12 months to create an exceptional place to work.”

He added: “It’s a phenomenal achievement for each and every one of our team members.”

For Warburtons, it is the third year running that the family firm has made it onto the list. This time it has moved up from the 23rd to the 17th position.

“We’re incredibly proud to be recognised as a best place to work by our people – and to be the only food manufacturer to have secured this accolade for three consecutive years,” said company chairman Jonathan Warburton.

“This is a testament to the hard work, passion and commitment of everyone in our family business.“

The Best Companies survey compiles the views of employees on eight key areas including wellbeing, leadership and personal development to give the business an overall ranking.