Suffolk man has used £10,000 left by grandparents on store

Edward Sparrowhawk, 28, has launched Sparrowhawk’s Convenience Stores in Bury Street, as he felt there was a need for a convenience store in that part of the town. 

To help establish his business, he has been helped by a £10,000 gift that was left for him in the will of his late grandparents, while he has also received financial support from family and friends. 

He has also received help from the owner of M Cuts Barbers, which is next door to his shop. 

“Bury Street has always needed the convenience store. There used to be a newsagent's on this street and that closed down. There was also a snack shop that closed down. 

“I have never worked in retail before, but I figured that this was something I could do that would suit my skill set,” Mr Sparrowhawk said. 

Edward Sparrowhawk inside Sparrowhawk's Convenience Stores (Image: Charlotte Bond)

Originally from London, he worked with his father at a scrap yard in the capital, but the business packed up and he moved to Stowmarket, where he planned to start a restaurant with his brother. 

However, the Covid-19 pandemic hollowed out the hospitality sector and the idea fell through, leaving him to start up on his own with "my skill set and not a lot of money". 

He had hoped to open the store’s doors in October but had difficulties getting everything set up for the opening, including getting workmen for tasks, as well as finding carpenters and electricians. 

But on Saturday, he was finally able to welcome customers. 

He said: “I would say that I have been very lucky to have the help that I have had. I’ve had support from M Cuts and the carpenter has been very good, while my family and friends have helped me out with the cost of things.” 

Mr Sparrowhawk, who attended the town’s middle school and high school, added: “I don’t think I have ever had the right temperament to work for a business. My dad always wanted to work for himself. He was always very independent-minded and I think I got that from him.”