The six Bennetts stores recently acquired by Hughes Electrical are all trading above expectations, according to a statement from Hughes released this week.
More than 80% of the 1,000-plus customers who paid for stock but didn't receive it before Bennetts went into administration in early March have now had their orders successfully resolved, the company added.

Hughes managing director Robert Hughes said: "It's less than a month since we took over the Bennetts stores and an awful lot has happened in that time. Our priorities were to recruit the people to get the stores trading as quickly as possible and help those previous customers who were still waiting for goods.

"I am pleased to say all the Bennetts shop, marketing, trade and delivery jobs have been filled by former members of staff meaning the company culture remains the same though it is now underpinned by Hughes' financial strength."

The company is holding stock for the majority of the remaining customers yet to receive their goods, but who are currently unable to take delivery. Others have yet to respond to letters and a handful of internet sales still need to be resolved, but Hughes says it is making "good and rapid progress with these".

The Bennetts stores which have reopened are Colchester Tollgate, Cromer, Dereham, Farnham, Martlesham Heath and Norwich, Hall Road.