STAFF at Winchester’s Body Shop have said they feel relieved after the company was saved from closure.

As previously reported, the cosmetics company announced in February that it was entering administration, closing 75 branches across the UK and making 489 staff redundant.

However, a rescue bid from a consortium led by British tycoon Mike Jatania means there are now no immediate plans to shut any of its 116 remaining UK stores, including the Hampshire branches in Winchester, Southampton, Basingstoke and Whiteley.

READ MORE: Winchester Body Shop saved from closure as chain shuts 75 stores

Body Shop Winchester assistant manager Alyssa Dipper (left) with customer service assistant Millie Hodge-MoatBody Shop Winchester assistant manager Alyssa Dipper (left) with staff member Millie Hodge-Moat (Image: NQ)Alyssa Dipper, assistant manager at Winchester Body Shop, said: “It is a big relief.

“We have a lot of loyal customers here, and when they come in they are very happy about the fact that they can still come in. It’s all very positive, and there are lots of exciting things coming.”

When asked about whether any staff had been let go during the uncertain period between February and September, Ms Dipper said: “We’ve been completely fine. We’ve not had any issues with staffing, we were one of the lucky stores where nothing really changed for us.”

The Body Shop was purchased by Mr Jatania’s investment firm Auréa, with the acquisition being completed last week. Mr Jatania will head up the company’s leadership team alongside Charles Denton, the former chief executive of beauty brand Molton Brown.

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Mr Jatania said: “With the Body Shop, we have acquired a truly iconic brand with highly engaged consumers in over 70 markets around the world.

“We plan to focus relentlessly on exceeding their expectations by investing in product innovation and seamless experiences across all of the channels where customers shop while paying homage to the brand’s ethical and activist positioning.”

Mr Denton added: “We believe there’s a sustainable future ahead and working closely with the management team we aim to restore the Body Shop’s unique, values-driven, independent spirit.”