We talk to Seb Janes, Managing Director of AJC Group to find out more
about what their business offers and what drives them to succeed.
What was your first job?
I took my first job as a Domino’s pizza delivery driver when I was studying in sixth form.
When was AJC Group first established?
I set up AJ Developments some 13 years ago in 2010 with my Co-Director Mark Adams. David Cracklen then joined as Co-Director in 2018 and AJ Developments became the AJC Group. Since then we have continued to grow both our team and development portfolio with our team totalling 40 persons.
What first got you into this line of work?
Having spent some time travelling the world I was really inspired by the different cultures, communities and architecture that I saw along the way. Whilst my construction experience was limited to time spent as a carpenter, whilst saving for travelling, I had a real desire to make an impact on a bigger scale. The initial company was set up to deliver bespoke private developments and we had a number of successful years delivering some very complex and detailed projects with an emphasis on design and quality of finish. Some of this we still do to this day however, since David Cracklen joined us and highlighted the need for affordable housing both nationwide and in our local region, we have made it one of our priorities to focus our efforts in the delivery of affordable developments..
The majority of our team have lived and/or worked in the area much of our lives, so as a collective we are motivated to help tackle the housing problem locally. Whilst our longer term sights are set on what we can do to help the problem on a much larger scale, our resources are currently predominantly focussed in the Dorset, Wiltshire and Hampshire areas.
What services does your company offer?
We offer a broad range of services including the delivery of affordable housing, private housing for sale and have built and retained a number of BTR schemes. We work both independently and in partnership with our housing associations and local authority clients.
Whilst much of our work to date has been focussed within an hours commute of BCP it is our intention over the coming years to set up a number of satellite offices to help us deliver our services to a wider area.
How is advancing technology influencing new builds?
When compared against any other industry, be it manufacturing, technology or even retail the housing industry has probably changed the least over the last 50-100 years. We are a relatively young team, and all hungry to learn and be at the leading end of delivering any change that is advantageous to our clients, the end users and ourselves.
We are currently delivering schemes in a variety of different construction methods, including concrete frame, timber frame and traditionally built. We also have a key partnership with a modular provider. Improving sustainability and environmental values is at our core, we haven’t installed a gas boiler since 2020 and promote the use of a variety of sustainable measures on all our schemes, from Passiv-Haus, air source pumps and cylinders, Solar and battery storage to ultra low U-value triple glazed windows and mechanically ventilated heat recover just as a few examples.
Our recent development at Herbert Avenue, which we completed in partnership with Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole Council, has passiv-haus accreditation with all the environmental features you would expect on a private scheme, such as air source heat pumps and MVHR, but this development was purpose built affordable housing to support for 24 move-on homes, specifically for local people needing more permanent housing solutions.
What has been your most memorable project to date?
For me it would be Clarendon Road, as this was the first wholly affordable scheme that we delivered. From day one our goal has been to deliver tenure blind schemes, with the same focus on architectural merit and quality whether it was for private sale or for affordable housing and Clarendon Road is a perfect example of this. At the end of the project I was fortunate enough to meet some of the residents that had moved in. Hearing their first hand accounts of their previous accommodation conditions and the difference that the amazing new apartments were making to them was something that I will be forever grateful for as it cemented in my mind that we had made the right decision as a business to move into the sector.
Do you offer your services to a range of budgets?
We have and continue to deliver homes in all areas of the market, whilst our growth strategy is mainly focused on the delivery of affordable housing, developing on and expanding our relationships with Housing Associations and Local Authorities.
What do you think makes a good entrepreneur?
I think at the most basic level a good entrepreneur needs to have relentless drive accompanied by a deep understanding of what motivates them. There will inevitably be challenges on every entrepreneur’s journey, and these can distract you from your purpose or goals, but provided you are able to keep sight of the bigger picture, and provided you understand your ‘why’, it helps to keep you focussed and on the right path.
Having grown from a company of just 2, I have a great appreciation of the value of having a good team around you. Employing people that are both technically experienced in the role, and that fit with the culture of the business, and then trusting them implicitly to make the right decisions has helped us build the most incredible team here. I firmly believe that we have the most talented and adaptable team of any business locally and I feel both excited and very fortunate to continue on this journey with them at our side!
What drives you to succeed?
I genuinely care about our legacy and the mark we are making on communities. I take great pride in driving around the area that I’ve lived and grown up in, seeing new projects come to life, seeing those projects we’ve completed being used as they were intended and the positive impact that is having on those families that live there.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Doing what we are doing now but times 50! We have ambitious growth plans and aim to use all of the time and energy that we have to impact as many lives as we can for the better.
What are your plans for 2024?
We will be looking to continue strengthening and building positive relationships with housing associations and local authorities so that we can continue delivering affordable housing across our region.
Next year will also see completion of a number of our live developments, and we are looking forward to welcoming residents to our development at Dorchester Brewery, a scheme of 56 affordable homes in Dorchester, delivery 48 units on Lindsay Road in Branksome Park and completing one of our biggest schemes to date, The Sloop in Poole, an 86 unit apartment block.
CONTACT
T. 01202 734949
E. info@ajcgroup.uk
A. Capital House, 4 Joshuas Vista, 202 Sandbanks Road, Poole, Dorset BH14 8HA
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