A WATCH and jewellery outlet in Taunton that closed just before Christmas has re-opened under new ownership.

In-Time, which operated out of a concession in Hatchers High Street department store, has been rescued from bankruptcy by Timpson.

The 'just in time' move saw Timpson buy the firm from administrators called in to wind up the company.

The development sees two jobs saved in the Taunton branch - and 110 nationwide - which is now trading again.

Timpson chief executive James Timpson tweeted last Friday: "A big welcome to our new colleagues from In Time who joined the Timpson Family yesterday.

“35 shops across the UK focussed on Watch and Jewellery Repairs, and 110 amazing people who I’m proud to now have as colleagues.”

Administrators at FRP who had been called in last week, immediately secured the sale of In-Time. Details of the deal have not been disclosed. 

In-Time offers repair services from 38 locations across the country.

 

Its closure less than a month ago was blamed on rising costs and falling sales.

 

 

Geoff Rowley of FRP said: "The quality of the brand and its customer base ensured that there was strong interest in the business from potential suitors, including a British institution in Timpson.”

A spokesperson for In-Time said it was looking forward to welcoming back old and new customers.

It apologised for the sudden closure of stores before Christmas and said items left with In-Time had been stored securely.

They added: "We are working tirelessly to reopen our stores and we will be contacting all of our customers as soon as we are able, to update them on the current status of their repair and the next steps.”

Hatchers director Mark Raisey welcomed the "much happier outcome for all concerned".

He said: "In-Time have been bought out by Timpson who will continue to run the business, so the watch repairs is now open again and the staff have retained their jobs.

"A real back from the brink tale."

Last month, the County Gazette reported how a customer had watched a video call to the two members of staff at In-Time, who were sent home two days before Christmas as the company teetered on the brink of collapse.

READ MORE: Staff sent home as watch and jewellery repair unit in Taunton closes.