Who is Stephen Jempson? To find out more, he agreed to meet me in his Peasmarsh flagship supermarket to answer my questions about himself, his leadership style and more about the business.
Stephen was born literally yards from the Peasmarsh store. His grandfather, George Jempson started Jempson's as a small bakery 90 years ago. Stephen shared various stories of how he sat at the table listening to his grandfather and then his own father, Harold, as each worked on how to change or expand or re-invent the business through sometimes really tough years. Stephen went to school in Rye, married and moved to Beckley. Stephen and his wife have always lived in the same house, and he cycles to work every day.
What is your philosophy about hiring employing staff?
"Jempson's employ around 380 colleagues. Some staff have worked for over 40 years and I have literally grown up with them. We have an extremely dedicated band of colleagues who I’m very proud of. Their loyalty has never ceased to amaze me."
Stephen went on to say that even during rough times in the business, he has rarely had to let go of any staff.
What is your personal leadership style?
"Look, I’m only a village grocer but I subscribe to the 'servant' style of leadership (that doesn’t mean to say I’m any good at it!):
- Lead by example: Be Seen. Be Fair.
- Serve colleagues as well as customers
- Empower colleagues
- Ensure all have a voice. Encourage feedback
- Take time to fully understand the numbers!
- Know your market, and be every ready to learn."
That care for colleagues and customers seems an integral part of Stephen's decisions for the format of the Jempson's stores. In Peasmarsh, most people are doing their “big shop” and it’s much larger in size and variety than Rye’s store. It’s also the only place in Peasmarsh where people can have food or just a coffee. The Jet petrol station is the second busiest Jet station in the country. In September 2021, during the fuel crisis, Jempson's extended hours of the station to ensure fuel was always available.
There are now nine Jempson's supermarkets of various sizes and also seven bakery and coffee shops across this area of East Sussex. Stephen works with town councils and even developers to try to work out the right format of each store for its community. He feels being independent allows him to quickly react to the communities’ needs. So during Covid, Jempson's immediately provided a home delivery option to ensure the most vulnerable were able to get their groceries.
“We have found 80% of these customers have stayed loyal to us as a result of the efforts we made for them," he says.
Rye’s supermarket is 50% smaller than Peasmarsh, but has almost double the footfall. Stephen explained the Rye format is “in and out shopping” and his goal is to “enhance” the diverse shopping available on the High Street. He assured me that all the prices in Rye are exactly the same as in Peasmarsh.
Tell me more about what Jempson's does for the community and the charity you have set up?
"We have always tried to help people in need. This Christmas and for many previous ones as well, Jempson's sent out about 480 hampers of food to local families and individuals. 'Give it Away' to those in need is a core value.
"In 2010 Jempson's was 75 years old and we decided to set up two charities to formalise our charitable giving. The Jempson's Foundation has now donated almost £150,000 for different local charities. We also set up Oak Tree Homes Trust, with its vision to provide accommodation and assisted living for elderly people in the south east of England. The first 10 homes were finished in 2018 and now accommodate 16 people. 12 more apartments are in planning application status."
What is your own favourite product right now?
"We started our own ready meals during Covid with the help of our new professional chef, Minerva. My wife and I love the roast dinners and eat at least one a week."
What are your goals for Jempson's in future?
"Well, I’m not retirement age yet! We want to open more Jempson's supermarkets and Rye Bakery outlets. You will see emphasis on our own production centres, a focus on locally grown products, our own brands and perhaps a dabble or two into the tourist market!"
Some reports say discount supermarkets can decimate the independent high street of a community. How do you plan to compete with Aldi if they do open in Rye?
"Our own research would agree with that summary. But I’d rather not answer – you will have to wait and see!"
