Vision Express connects with Stream to bring workforce finance to retailer's UK employees

Vision Express, part of EssilorLuxottica, has announced a partnership with Stream (formerly Wagestream), a workplace finance provider.

As the latest addition to Vision Express’ reward package, the partnership will provide all employees with access to Stream’s suite of financial tools to support greater visibility over day-to-day money management and long-term financial planning.

Integrated directly into existing HR and payroll systems, the platform includes flexible access to pay, personalised education, the ability to track shifts and earnings, budget in real-time using Open Banking, save directly from their salary into a savings account, and access credit with low, competitive interest rates. 

Dawn Price, HR Director at Vision Express, says: “Our colleagues are at the heart of Vision Express, and supporting their wellbeing is a priority for us. Financial confidence plays a vital role in overall wellbeing and we’re excited to introduce Stream’s Workplace Finance platform to offer our teams better access to practical tools that help them better understand and manage their money to work towards their financial goals.”

Peter Briffett, Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder at Stream, says: “Workplace Finance represents a fundamental shift in how employers support their teams. By embedding fair and streamlined financial tools into the workplace, Vision Express is helping to set new benchmarks for the industry.”

“From flexible access to earned pay through to savings, budgeting and education, this partnership will support thousands of retail workers across the UK, especially those navigating variable hours and incomes, in building stronger financial resilience.”  

2026 RTIH Innovation Awards

Employee experiences will be a key focus area at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards are now open for entries and celebrate global retail technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our winners will be revealed at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards Ceremony, taking place at The HAC in Central London on Wednesday, 4th November.

Check out our 2025 winners here.

Our 2025 hall of fame entrants were revealed during a sold out event which took place at The HAC on 16th October and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by award winning comedian, actress and writer Tiff Stevenson.

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “This is the awards’ fifth year as a physical event. We started off with just 30 people at the South Place Hotel not far from here, then moved to London Bridge Hotel, then The Barbican, and last year RIBA’s HQ in the West End.”

“But I’m conscious of the fact that, to quote the legend that is Taylor Swift, You’re only as hot as your last hit, baby. So, this year we’ve moved to our biggest venue yet, and also pulled in our largest number of entries to date and broken attendance records.”

He added: “This year’s submissions have without doubt been our best yet. To quote one of the judges: The examples of innovative developments across both traditional and digital retail spaces were truly remarkable.”

Congratulations to our winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Tiff Stevenson, and all those who attended our 2025 gathering.