Inside the Bodycare Collapse: What Really Happened?

It was a name that had stood firm on the British high street for over 50 years. Bodycare, known officially as G.R. & M.M. Blackledge plc, once boasted over 150 stores and employed thousands across the UK. But in 2025, under the shadow of Baaj Capital and amid a swirl of financial mismanagement and confusion, it collapsed into administration. How did it happen? And who should be held accountable?

A 50-Year Legacy Wiped Out in Months

Bodycare had been a household name since 1970. Known for its competitive prices on health and beauty products, it had built a loyal customer base and a national footprint. But after Baaj Capital’s involvement in the business, long-standing suppliers began raising concerns. Payment delays. Stock shortages. Store closures without notice. And then, in late 2025, the truth came out: the business was insolvent, and administrators were called in.

The Role of Baaj Capital

In the months before administration, Baaj Capital acquired a controlling interest in Bodycare. The Singh brothers — Jaswinder and Dalwinder — were already known for their involvement in Huboo’s catastrophic downfall. Their approach with Bodycare followed a familiar script:

• They acquired the business quietly, behind a wall of corporate structuring.
• They failed to make meaningful operational investments.
• Store infrastructure crumbled, staff morale declined, and suppliers went unpaid.
• Shortly before administration, Baaj exited the business entirely.

It’s important to ask: was this deliberate? Were the months leading up to the collapse part of a planned strategy to exit, shed liabilities, and avoid responsibility?

Tony Brown & Louise Allen: Enablers or Architects?

Two names frequently come up in postmortems of the Bodycare collapse: Tony Brown and Louise Allen. As key executives, they were in charge of daily operations and strategic decision-making. Questions now swirl about their role in the chain of events that led to the downfall:

• Were they aware of the financial state of the business and still chose to operate as normal?
• Did they communicate transparently with staff and suppliers?
• Were any attempts made to rescue or restructure Bodycare before administration?

Many former employees and suppliers believe the answer to all of the above is a resounding “no.” There was no transparency, no leadership, and no warning. Staff found out about the administration through the press. Suppliers were locked out of buildings. It was a textbook example of how not to handle a business collapse.

32 Stores Closed Overnight — Who Pays the Price?

On the day of the announcement, 32 Bodycare stores closed their doors permanently. Employees were given no notice. Customers were left confused. Many local communities lost an affordable option for essential products. But the most painful blow came to the workers. Some had dedicated decades to the company. They were offered no redundancy, no support, and no dignity.

In total, over 450 employees were affected. Some estimates suggest the total number of impacted staff and suppliers exceeds 1,000 people.

Who Owns What Now?

According to Companies House and PitchBook, Baaj Capital officially exited the business just before it entered administration. The timing raises eyebrows. It means Baaj likely avoided scrutiny, responsibility, and — crucially — any financial fallout. If this was a calculated maneuver, it may well have succeeded. But at what cost?

The new administrators are reportedly keeping some of the remaining stores open to recover value for creditors. But make no mistake: the Bodycare that existed for half a century is gone.

The Precedent Set by Huboo

Let’s not forget: this isn’t the first time the Singh brothers have been involved in such a collapse. The £9 pre-pack sale of Huboo earlier this year was followed by the creation of a new company — HUBOO TECH LIMITED — which carried on operations using the same name, branding, and staff, but none of the previous debt or obligations.

This approach — sometimes called a “phoenix company” model — allows the business to survive, while creditors are left behind. It’s legal. But is it ethical?

The Public Has Had Enough

Feedback received by Fulfilment Frustrations paints a clear picture of anger and frustration. One former Bodycare customer wrote:

“Baaj Capital repeatedly put companies into administration leaving behind hundreds of millions pounds worth of debts. Just to buy back Huboo for a measly £9 shows the utter contempt of Jaswinder & Dalwinder Singh. Both of them should be put in jail and struck off for their entire lifetime. They’ve affected thousands of families around the country by their mismanagement and ultimate greed.”

Strong words — but they echo across LinkedIn, Reddit, and trade forums. People are tired of silence, deception, and evasion. They want accountability. They want regulators to act. They want directors held responsible when failure is not just misfortune, but foreseeable mismanagement.

Where Are the Regulators?

Why are the same individuals allowed to repeatedly operate in this space? Why are there no investigations? No bans? No penalties?

Companies House records show a clear trail of failed companies and directorships. Insolvency practitioners sign off on pre-packs. Investors walk away. And ordinary people — staff, suppliers, landlords — pay the ultimate price. Isn’t it time for change?

Conclusion: More Than a Business Collapse

Bodycare’s collapse is not an isolated tragedy. It is a symptom of a much larger sickness in the UK business landscape: one where distressed assets are flipped like poker chips, and human impact is ignored.

In our next article, we’ll dive into the legal grey areas that make this model possible — and what might finally be done to stop it.

Stay angry. Stay informed. Stay protected.