After 32 years on the high street one of Morden’s best-loved family-run independent businesses is closing down.

Derick Ray, 62, set up his electrical retail store Powerhouse Supplies in 1983, but has decided that as he is getting older he wants to step back from running a business and does not want to renew the lease on the shop.

The store’s final day will be tomorrow, and Mr Ray expects it to be an emotional farewell.

"The response we have had from local people has taken me by complete surprise. "You think you are a blip on people’s radar but lots of people have been upset by the news, we have even had people crying when they come into the store," he said.

Leatherhead resident Mr Ray said he wanted to thank all of his customers for their loyalty over the years and said it has been wonderful to be there to serve them for all that time.

Initially Mr Ray set up an electrical contracting business in 1975 when he was only 21 which he ran from his home.

The business steadily grew over eight years until in 1983 he decided they needed a base and leased the shop in London Road, Morden, which was previously a jewellery store.

Initially Mr Ray ran his business from home, but as it grew and he had four or five vans coming to house every morning he decided it would be a good idea to set up a base.

He hit the headlines of the Wimbledon Guardian in 1983 when he opened the store. 

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He said that while his company could never compete with the bigger chains on price, their ability to sell unusual products that people needed which the larger businesses did not stock that made his store a success.

Despite having thoroughly enjoyed his time at Powerhouse, Mr Ray is looking forward to a quieter life.

"Until I retire I am just after a nine to five job, one where I don’t have to worry about business rates and corporation tax and the other stresses that come with running your own company."