A skin clinic is looking forward to reopening after losing hundreds of pounds worth of stock during lockdown.

Emma Gatt, owner and therapist at The Treatment Rooms in Braintree said the last lockdown was tough but the team can't wait to get back to doing what they love.

The Treatment Rooms, off Braintree town centre is a luxury aesthetics, beauty and skin clinic offering bespoke skin treatments.

Earlier this week Boris Johnson announced that salons, gyms and non-essential shops will be allowed to reopen on Monday (April 12) as part of the next phase of lockdown easing.

Pubs and restaurants will also be allowed to serve outdoors.

Emma said: ""We are so glad to get back to work and doing what we love.

"We are so happy that we can go back alongside our colleagues in the hair industry and without restrictions this time.

"The pandemic lockdowns have hugely impacted on my business.

"Unfortunately, the government grants have not been enough to cover all the outgoings and overheads. Many suppliers wouldn’t reduce costs and insurance for BI refuse to pay out.

"We have continued to provide our products online and have been doing some virtual skin consultations and posting or socially distanced delivery the products.

"We’ve lost hundreds of pounds worth of stock that has needed to be discarded."

The team have been busy ordering personal protective equipment and cleaning to prepare for a safe reopening.

Emma added: "So this week we are ordering all the stock and PPE, cleaning and booking patch test appointments and managing the diary to ensure no more than 6 people in the salon at anyone time.

"There has been no change in government guidelines for this return so business as the new normal.

"I invested in air purification units last year to ensure we have the best ventilation possible.

"We use a new nail file for every client which they can take home or are disposed of.

"We are elated that we’re almost fully booked for our first week back."