This month we’re delighted to shine the spotlight on Jamie of St Just DIY & Gardening. I’m sure that you haven’t failed to notice Jamie getting stuck in with the shop since he took it over in March of last year. The shop has a vast range of products for gardening, DIY, plumbing, electrical, paint and more. And if you can’t find what you’re looking for, chances are they’ll be able to order it in for you.
“I hope the business will continue to be a valued part of St Just whilst continuing to grow and serve the local community“ he says.
Name
Jamie Nankervis
Business Name
St. Just DIY & Gardening LTD
Tell us about your business – what service or product do you offer?
We are a small family run, DIY & Gardening shop selling a vast range of products. This includes areas such as: gardening, DIY, plumbing, electrical, paint and much more. We have a large range of products in stock at all times as well as access to thousands more. We often offer a special-order service whereby customers can request items to be ordered that we don’t normally stock, as a one off. In addition to this we offer a weekly delivery service around Penwith for those less able to make it in store or for those it is just more convenient for.
How long has your business been running?
St Just DIY & Gardening was established in March 2025 after the successful purchase of Clemo’s DIY. The building has been a DIY & Gardening shop for around 9 years and has helped many customers over its time. When I took over the shop in March 2025, it was important to me to listen to the already large customer base and ensure that the shop continued to operate in a way that benefitted the town.
Why did you start up your business?
I decided to purchase the business for multiple reasons. I have always had a passion for business, so, the opportunity to purchase an already existing business in such a thriving town was too much to say no to. As well as enjoying the business aspect, I also enjoy the hours spent in the shop meeting customers and helping out where possible. In addition to this St. Just has a strong community of small businesses that are all well supported, and I think it is important that businesses are kept going and the strong community is kept alive.
Tell us about a time you have taken a leap of faith
My three biggest leaps of faith would have to be leaving my job at 19 years old to go self-employed, meeting and working for multiple new businesses. A year after this, 2 friends and I, with very limited travelling experience, decided to head to New Zealand for 5 months of work and travelling. My third leap of faith was then a couple of years later when I decided to purchase the shop only 2 days after my 23rd birthday.
How has your business changed since you began?
We have tried to add our own stamp to the business whilst keeping the core aspects the same. We now do a few different product lines such as fishing tackle and vinyl stickers, which both sell well. The business has a new look in terms of branding and the option to purchase some branded beanie hats.
What do you hope for your business in the future?
I hope the business will continue to be a valued part of St. Just whilst continuing to grow and serve the local community.
What benefits/challenges have you found as a business owner in the Far West of Cornwall
Owning a small business in the far west of Cornwall comes with its own unique benefits and challenges. Constant rising costs, transport logistics and much larger chain businesses only a few miles away in Penzance cause constant need for improvement within our business. However, the support for local businesses in St. Just and the surrounding areas is amazing and genuinely unique to this area. A personal connection with locals also helps to improve the business and really gain an understanding of what people want.
How has being a part of FWBN helped you?
FWBN is a brilliant networking group and one I am glad I have joined. I have met so many likeminded people and it is very helpful to be able to get together and discuss common problems and solutions with other business owners.
Do you have any advice for people starting out?
One of my favourite sayings is “Feel the fear but do it anyway” and I think this is a good piece of advice for anyone starting up. Starting a new business venture is scary for anyone but as long as you’re sure it is the right decision for you then there is no reason not to go for it and give it your all.
Search St. Just DIY & Gardening LTD on Facebook, Instagram and Tik Tok
Email us at stjustdiyandgardeningltd@gmail.com
Phone us on 01736 788604
Want to be the next Spotlight? Or want to join the network? Drop us a line at hello@farwestbusiness.co.uk.