Business & Commerce in Penzance

The market town of Penzance is historically the commercial capital of the Land's End peninsula (known as Penwith). Although many national companies are established in the town, Penzance still retains many independent businesses, some of which have been in the ownership of the same family for over 100 years. There are several typical Cornish shopping "nooks", such as the pedestrianised Causewayhead and the Arcade Steps which, with the benefit of traditional surfacing and architecture, retain the flavour of the 18th and 19th Centuries. The "big four" High Street banks all have main branches in the town, as do most of the major Building Societies.

Professional services of all kinds are available in the town covering the legal, financial, architectural, design and other needs of the business community. The commercial interests of the town are many and diverse ranging from shipping, dry dock facilities and manufacturing through to transport and the very important tourist industry.

Penzance has an active and progressive Chamber of Commerce representing all forms of business - both retail and commercial - in the town. It enjoys an excellent working relationship with Penzance Town Council, Penwith District Council and other official and public bodies concerned with the general and commercial interest of Penzance.

The tourism industry is well-placed to cater for all manner of accommodation needs. The industry is represented by an active Hotel & Restaurant Association. There are some large hotels, many smaller ones and a great many guest-houses, together offering a price range to suit most pockets. Additionally, there is no shortage of houses, flats and chalets for those seeking self-catering holidays. Of great benefit to both the tourist industry and the town as a whole are the facilities for visiting the Isles of Scilly, with both the heliport and the Isles of Scilly Steamship Companies providing day-trip services.

While Penzance is considered to be the commercial centre of Penwith, the port of Newlyn boasts the largest fishing fleet in the south of England. There have been several improvements recently, which include doubling the floor area of the fish market and constructing a new pier. Much of the catch is exported and finds ready customers on the continent. Newlyn also boasts the Cornish Mead Company, which brews the traditional honeymoon drink for which West Cornwall is famous.

Penzance is part of the Development Area of Penwith and attracts grant aid for firms wishing to establish themselves here. There are several small industrial estates offering a wide range of services close to the town. Although its hey-day as a thriving commercial port may be long past, the Penzance harbour area still attracts much work for the dry-dock facilities. The Isles of Scilly Steamship Company also plays an important role in harbour life, together with the ever-increasing interest in leisure boating.

A major re-development of Penzance Harbour is presently proposed which will add significant new facilities for users of all types of craft.