More than just an office move
The Jacksons name has been a firm fixture in Penzance’s business community for nearly a century. Until recently, the company’s financial services division was tucked away in a second-floor office, unseen by passing trade. The business’s success called for larger, more accessible offices to support its diversification and growth. With the help of Town Deal Enterprise Grant Scheme funds, Jacksons has created a space designed to meet the needs of both the business and the local community.
In the last decade, the Wealth Management team has doubled in size. It has also shifted direction to meet the growing demand for its remote services.
CEO Pete Matthew explains: “15 years ago, I set up Meaningful Money. It’s a YouTube channel and podcast where I explain the basics of financial planning in simple terms. This online presence now accounts for 85% of our business. So even though we’re a Penzance firm through and through, we help hundreds of families out of county.”
The business’s diversification has led to changes in working dynamics. The company has introduced hybrid working and a four-day week. Despite these changes, it has still outgrown its premises.
In 2024, Pete and two colleagues purchased premises on Wharf Road that the company could make its own. He explains, “We bought a double-height shell ready for us to make our mark. It gave us the flexibility to design a space from scratch that works for us.”
Thanks to the Enterprise Grant Scheme, Jacksons has created a usable, inspiring space. It includes RGB lighting, multimedia, and specialised soundproofed booths for meetings with remote clients. The fund has also paid for office equipment, blinds and fixtures.
Pete adds: “This is a brand new, modern space that will help us grow further. Crucially, for the first time, we are visible to Penzance. Clients, those wanting to understand more about our services, and those who need help with a pension or investment query, can just walk in.”
With a four-day working week, the Jacksons offices will be unoccupied every Friday. Pete is keen to maximise use of the space on these days. He explains: “The nature of Jacksons’ services means we tend to deal with people at the wealthier end of the spectrum, but of course, we’re located in one of the poorest areas of the country. I want the space to be well used on a Friday to help support the people of West Penwith.”
He adds: “A debt counselling charity, for example, could use our space for free once a week and provide a service to the local community. Jacksons itself could also run financial literacy workshops and provide financial coaching sessions. We’ve designed the space with this additional use in mind.”
The new premises will enable Jacksons to grow, creating more jobs in Penzance. Since moving, the company has taken on two new members of staff. It plans to take on an additional three in 2025.
Pete adds: “This is more than just a simple office move. The Town Deal grant has given us the luxury of being creative, really thinking about what we as a company need in order to grow and create jobs, and consider how the space could be used to serve the local community.”
