Jessops store re-opens in Birmingham

Leicester-based camera shop chain Jessops went into administration in January Credit: PA

Photography and camera store Jessops has relaunched this morning, opening one of its first shops in Birmingham.

Dragons' Den star Peter Jones bought the brand and certain assets after it went into administration in January.

The other shop will open in London's Oxford Street today, with four more due start trading over the Easter weekend.

The telecommunications tycoon plans to invest £4 million and open up to 30 more outlets nationwide throughout April.

The chain previously had 200 stores but fell into administration because it could not keep up with online competition and a boom in camera phones in recent years.

Almost 1,500 people lost their jobs when the firm collapsed, but Mr Jones hopes the company's relaunch will create 500 positions.

The entrepreneur and TV personality is the sole owner of the relaunched camera store chain and will act as chief executive and chairman.

Jessops had struggled since 2007, when it underwent a major overhaul with a swathe of store closures.

The firm began life in 1935 when Frank Jessop opened his first shop in Leicester.