A HIGH street in Suffolk is experiencing a resurgence after two businesses opened up next door to each other on the same day.Katie's Sandwich Bar and Tea Rooms and the Jolly Meat Company launched in Hadleigh on Monday.

A HIGH street in Suffolk is experiencing a resurgence after two businesses opened up next door to each other on the same day.

Katie's Sandwich Bar and Tea Rooms and the Jolly Meat Company launched in Hadleigh on Monday.

Katie Mayhew has followed in her parents' footsteps by launching a food business in the town.

The 26-year-old, of Churchill Avenue, Hadleigh, used to work for her mum and dad at Katie's restaurant, which was named after her, and went on to be a carer for her grandfather.

When he passed away, she found it difficult to get back into work so she decided to be her own boss.

She said: “We felt there was a need for something in Hadleigh. It is not the ideal time to open, but people have still got to eat.

“Our philosophy is that everything is homemade. We are aiming to keep our products fresh and reasonably priced.”

Meanwhile, two childhood friends have made a career change to set up a butcher's shop.

Charlie Phillips, 36, became disillusioned working as an operations manager so he took up an apprenticeship at a butcher in Sudbury.

He has now joined forces with Sam Ward, a fellow former pupil at Ipswich School, who has left work as a structural engineer for the venture.

They have taken residence of the old Pierpoint butchers.

Mr Phillips said: “We became tired of dealing with abject people and we noticed that butchers are enjoying a resurgence.

“People are more food aware particularly due to campaigns on TV. The recession will be what it is but people have still got to eat. We are not here to make a killing. It is a lifestyle business.”