A long-serving team member in Bexleyheath and Erith is celebrating a remarkable 15-year career journey, having progressed from working on reception to running the administrative operations across two Specsavers stores.

Joining the business in 2011 as a full-time receptionist, Jessica Cox was drawn to the role after spotting an opportunity that combined her passion for admin with her background in retail. After handing in her CV and attending an open evening, she was invited to spend a morning in store and soon after, offered the role at Specsavers Bexleyheath.

‘When I first joined, we had paper files, two receptionists, and just a few clinics running each day,’ says Jessica. ‘Now we have multiple departments, digital systems, iPads, expanded hearcare services and up to nine clinics running at once. Watching the business grow, and having the opportunity to grow with it, has been incredibly rewarding.’

In 2013, Jessica took a step forward in her career by moving into the admin office, supporting the store’s growing customerdemand, and then between 2017 and 2018, her role expanded further when she became administrator at the sister store in Erith. She now supports admin operations across both stores, which she describes as one of her proudest achievements.

‘Moving from the shop floor to running the admin side of a very busy store was a huge leap for me,’ she adds. ‘But knowing the partners trusted me with that responsibility meant everything. I didn’t want to let anyone down and I’m proud of how far we’ve come.’

Her story runs alongside Specsavers Bexleyheath and Erith’s long-standing commitment to the community. The stores have supported local eye health for more than 32 years and hearing health for over 20 years, becoming a trusted healthcare provider and significant employer in the area.

Wouter De Wit, Retail Director at Specsavers Bexleyheath and Erith, says: ‘Watching Jessica grow with the business over the last 15 years has been incredibly special. Her dedication, reliability and care for colleagues and customers make her a huge part of what makes our stores such a trusted place in the community.’

For Jessica, it’s the stores’ supportive teams who have made her want to stay. ‘I’ve built amazing friendships here and genuinely love the team I work with,’ she says. ‘It can be busy, but that’s what keeps things interesting and 15 years later. I still enjoy coming to work every day.’

Specsavers Bexleyheath and Erith continue to invest in its people, community and services, delivering accessible eye and hearing care while supporting meaningful career development across its teams.