The Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO) was formed in 1986 when its two predecessors, the Association of Dispensing Opticians and the Faculty of Dispensing Opticians, were merged following the Health and Social Security Act of 1984.
ABDO represents over 6,000 qualified dispensing opticians in the UK. It also has 500 members overseas, 500 associate members and approximately 1,800 student members worldwide. The ABDO offers five qualifications as well as training courses for major high street opticians, previously this was all done at Aston University premises.
The ABDO recognised that in order to continue to offer the high standard of service and support to their members they needed to invest in their own premises. A location was found at Rocky Lane Aston Business Park and the ABDO National Resource Centre was born.
It is an education, events and examinations hub offering clinical and training facilities over 11,000 sq ft on two floors. It offers clinical facilities showcasing the latest technology, 10 bays equipped for refraction and contact lenses with a prescreening area, state of the art video slit lamp which can be recorded and projected live on up to five screens around the building and equipment for dispensing, screening, minor eye conditions services and glazing.
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As a charity, ABDO are unable to reclaim their VAT unlike most businesses so our proposal to lease the project was a great option for them. Rather than having to pay a lump sum up front, they could spread the VAT over the term of the agreement and take a huge pressure of the cash flow of the charity.
“ABDO established the resource centre in Aston, Birmingham in June 2018, with an investment of around £1m, when we considered various sources of funding, due to VAT and future cash flow demands, we decided to finance it through leasing. When we approached Bluestone Leasing, the company was accommodating and able to arrange facilities on time and dealt with contractors directly. As the result of their involvement, we were able to complete the project a few days ahead of schedule, which saved a reasonable amount in routine operational cost. We will strongly recommend Bluestone for any mid to long-term funding needs.”
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