03 Sep 2026
Marshalswick’s own EYES on St Albans has been showcased as one of the Nation’s Favourite Businesses by the Small Business Saturday campaign – the only opticians in the country to make the shortlist.
Founded by Jez Levy at The Quadrant in 2018, EYES is renowned for mixing seriously good eyecare with brilliant eyewear, plenty of personality and a healthy dose of its trademark “Spex, hugs and rock ’n’ roll”.
The St Albans firm has been selected as part of this year’s Nation’s Favourite Business line-up, a shake up from the campaign’s long-standing SmallBiz100.
The Nation’s Favourite Businesses campaign will showcase each business as part of the official countdown to Small Business Saturday on December 5, an annual event aimed at celebrating and uplifting independent firms by encouraging the public to support and spend with small businesses.
On the Small Business Saturday website, EYES is recognised for helping its customers see clearly, look brilliant and feel genuinely cared for.
Jez said: “We’re absolutely stoked to be recognised as one of the Nation’s Favourite Businesses. EYES has always been about doing things a little differently, both in the optical industry and in the community we’re lucky enough to be part of here in St Albans.
“From day one, our mantra has been ‘Spex, hugs and rock ’n’ roll’, and this feels like a pretty brilliant recognition of everything behind those words.”
Michelle Ovens CBE, director of Small Business Saturday UK, added: “Small businesses have always been, and will continue to be, among the nation’s favourite businesses. Whether on our high streets, online or embedded in local communities, they play a vital role in the places we live and in the strength of our economy.
“This year’s Nation Favourite Businesses showcase the incredible diversity of the UK’s small business community.”
