Adam Jackson and Pete Tyson took over the Earlham Post office just over a year ago with a vision of making it a hub of the community. Located in the Earlham House shopping complex, the post office had already been run by Martin and Beverly Baker, members of the Salvation Army, for over 30 years. Adam and Pete aimed to continue the Christian values that had been established and saw their venture as a way to serve God and demonstrate their faith in how they run the business. They believe that making ethical choices in terms of stock and customer and staff treatment is an expression of the kingdom.
The first year of running the post office has had its challenges. Opening a business during a cost-of-living crisis and facing factors out of their control, such as Royal Mail strikes and a cyber-attack, made it a financial rollercoaster. Adam acknowledges that doing the right thing is rarely easy. Both Adam and Pete have backgrounds that have prepared them for running a business. Adam has been a sole trader in various enterprises and Pete has worked for Norwich Youth for Christ and the Post Office. They set the culture and tone for the business but allow the Post Office staff to take a front role in the day-to-day running of the business.
The retail offering of the post office primarily consists of cards and packaging, but they also provide space for local craftspeople to sell their products. The crafts space is rotated monthly and will be doubled over the Christmas period. This allows local artisans, mostly within a 15-mile radius, to have a local shop front and keep the majority of the profit. Adam and Pete believe that the staff team has been instrumental in establishing a culture of friendliness and generosity. They appreciate the opportunity to mentor and invest in the life of the community and see the post office as a way to grow their faith.
Overall, Adam and Pete’s vision for the Earlham Post office is to create a community-centered business that aligns with their Christian values. Despite the challenges faced in the first year of operation, they believe in doing the right thing and have established a culture that allows the staff to take ownership of the business. By providing space for local craftspeople, they support the growth of local businesses and contribute to the community. They are grateful for the opportunity to invest in the lives of their staff and the community and see it as a chance to strengthen their faith.
