Recipe for success in Dragon’s Den-style competition

Holly and Andy Heggadon, who run Sparks Yard, in Tarrant Street, won a Dragon’s Den-style competition by West Sussex County Council to help pay for their store’s renovation.

TheY are now in the process of using the cash – part of the council’s Be The Business grant – to create a new loft coffee bar in the Grade II listed building.

Andy said: “We feel really honoured to receive the grant. The council liked the fact that the money was well-invested in a small local business. Expanding Sparks Yard helps create jobs and increases awareness of the local area.”

The idea to expand their business and open a kitchen has been in the pipeline for some time.

Holly said: “It was the missing link. We had to explore other avenues of course, to make sure we were making the right decision, but in our heart of hearts we knew what we really wanted to do.”

Andy added that as the pair were both ‘massive foodies’ it was a ‘no-brainer’ that they expanded their store to include food.

It’s hoped the 2,000 sq ft coffee bar will be ready to launch later this year. It will feature a café, bar and kitchen.