02 Jun 2026
There are some moments in business that feel a little surreal.
One minute (and let’s say, just for the sake of it, 4.55pm on a Thursday in May) you’re adjusting somebody’s glasses in Marshalswick whilst St Albans starts making its way home for the day. The next (and we made it by 6.25pm – a Thameslink miracle in itself), you’re standing in a London awards venue surrounded by some of the most inspiring independent businesses in the country… styling Sue Perkins in a pair of JL Spex frames.
Which, admittedly, was not on Jez Levy’s bingo card for 2026.
EYES on St Albans was recently shortlisted in the prestigious High Street Hero category at The Small Awards by Small Business Britain, making it through to the final eight businesses nationally from thousands of entries.
While EYES didn’t take home the overall award on the night, the celebration itself turned out to be a huge reminder of the power, resilience and sheer brilliance of independent businesses across the UK.
“It was genuinely inspiring,” says Jez. “Just being in a room full of people who’ve built businesses with personality, passion and determination was amazing. Small businesses put so much of themselves into what they do.”
The awards, organised by Small Business Britain and celebrating their 10th anniversary this year, recognise independent businesses making a real impact in their communities and industries.
For EYES on St Albans, the shortlist recognised something local customers already know well – this is not your average opticians.
Over the years, EYES has built a reputation for combining independent eyewear, community spirit and a healthy amount of rock’n’roll energy. Customers regularly pop in for chats, advice, coffee, style opinions and occasionally to be gently persuaded into trying on glasses they’d never normally choose.
And sometimes those styling skills travel slightly further afield than Marshalswick.
During the evening, Jez also had the chance to style comedian, presenter and awards host Sue Perkins in a pair of JL Spex frames alongside Small Business Britain founder, Michelle Ovens CBE – giving the St Albans-designed collection another memorable moment in the spotlight.
The JL Spex collection, designed by Jez and handcrafted in Italy, has quickly become known for its bold colours, confident styling and rebellious independent spirit.
“There’s something really lovely about seeing people instantly light up when they put the right frame on,” says Jez. “Sue looked fantastic in them.”
But perhaps the biggest takeaway from the evening wasn’t the celebrity moment or even the
national recognition.
It was the atmosphere.
In a time when headlines often focus on the struggles facing the high street, the room was full of business owners still creating, adapting, supporting communities and doing things differently.
And that feels very EYES on St Albans too.
Independent businesses backing independent businesses.
With a little bit (oh, what are we saying – a huge dollop!) of spex, hugs and rock’n’roll thrown in.
Jez said afterwards: “Sue Perkins has been known for her specs for many many years, and it has been my long term wish to meet her and get her away from the standard black square frame which many people wear. In fact when I was designing the JL•SPEX models, I specifically designed the Lower Red frame with Sue in mind….
“I knew Sue was presenting the awards and had a cunning plan. At the end of the evening, I claimed the steps of the stage and said to Sue, ‘I have wanted to meet you for over 20 years and put on you the best thing ever to sit on your face…’ Sue with her brilliant and fast wit, winked and said, ‘I don’t think that is possible’…
“I asked her to remove her current specs, put on Lower Red in Electric Blue and swiftly pulled a hand mirror from my back pocket. Sue retorted: ‘They are the best specs I have ever tried on, where can I get these….?””
Photos by Jen Smith
