FEATURE
Named Moonrise House , it took a year to renovate , with staff being closely consulted about the designs and facilities , before moving into the smart new offices in August 2023 .
Moonrise has continued its upward trajectory into 2025 , owning a growing number of properties and offering expert support for children ’ s services , transport services , domiciliary care and cover for staff shortages .
And now it ’ s time for the next chapter of the success story , with planning permission being granted for Moonrise to open two new four-bedroom children ’ s homes in Stockton for children who need specialist support .
“ I want them to be places where the children can truly feel they have a home , and we intend to provide more homes for children as part of our expansion plans ,” declares Jess .
In the meantime , the company recently opened an office in Scotland , which is due to start operating soon . Jess also plans to use her experience and natural connection to people to mentor more young entrepreneurs back on Teesside .
“ John and I couldn ’ t have achieved all that we have without the support of the people of Teesside , so I want to help others get started in business ,” she adds .
She ’ s also quick to pay tribute to her own staff : “ We have a wonderful , dedicated team around us . We call ourselves a family and we want to keep growing .”
Family is clearly important to Jess . Her father has passed away , but she has her mother , Agatha , living with her ( and helping with the kids !), John and their sons , and that makes her happy .
The balance she spoke of around the dinner table 11 years ago has been achieved : the flexibility to spend more time with those she loves most , along with a thriving business that ’ s making the kind of positive impact on people ’ s lives she dreamed of while growing up in Zimbabwe .
“ I ’ m doing what I was meant to do ,” says Jess .
The voice of business in the Tees region | 25