Suzanne Sparrow
Plymouth-born, she joined the Royal Navy as a teenager during the war, operating patrol boats. She later worked as a secretary, before marrying and becoming a full-time mother. But in 1978, she started on a new career path, one fuelled by determination and vision, when she set up the Suzanne Sparrow Language School, conscious of the need for such an establishment in the city. Her vision, based around creating a learning environment in which international students could feel at home as they learned, created a highly successful business which has seen generations returning for their children to repeat the experience they themselves enjoyed. Now 94, Suzanne remains active in the business though the day to day business is run by her daughter. Her impact has stretched well beyond her successful enterprise, notably on the Plymouth Chamber of Commerce where she helped break down the ‘old boys network’ style of operation.