A popular Romsey business name returns tomorrow (Saturday) when Peppercorn Natural Foods re-opens.

The name’s the same and so are the staff and the products but there’s a new owner – Claire Bevan and a new location, Abbey Walk in Church Street.

Accountant Claire bought the business from Pauline Baker and Moyà Macklin, who ran it for 37 years from their premises in Latimer Street – now the home of Jane’s, the charity shop for Romsey Cancer Support Centre – Jane Scarth House.

Claire hopes to continue with the formula which made Peppercorns so successful .

“I’m trying to keep it exactly as it because it worked so well,” said Claire.

Key to continuing the success will be her four staff – Debbie Smeed, Margaret Eades, Janet Preston and Jane Roberts – who all worked at the original shop and know their customers and products inside out.

Claire, a mum of teenage twins, will continue as a director of accountants Richard Butler Associates but will also be in the shop every day.

She believes her financial background and seeing the books of so many businesses, successful and otherwise, has given her an insight into what makes a profitable concern.

Claire, 47, also has retail experience. Her father ran a post office in Essex and she would help out behind the counter selling stationery and cards.