Sebastian Janes has been promoted to Managing Director of Dorset-based AJC Group. This promotion comes as the company continues to make headway to become the leading affordable housing contractor across the Wessex region. Over 200 mixed-tenure homes will be delivered during 2023, reflecting a construction value in excess of £100m.
Sebastian Janes has a construction background and set up AJ Group over 12 years ago, alongside co-owner and Director Mark Adams. The company has rapidly expanded since becoming AJC Group in 2018, which marked the addition of David Cracklen as another co-owner and Director. Mr Janes has been promoted to Managing Director at the age of 34, in recognition of his contribution to the business to date and future ambitions.
Having grown up and being schooled in the coastal town of Christchurch, Sebastian went straight into the construction industry, where he learnt and developed his understanding and knowledge of the built environment and its processes. He spent time on development sites building his practical skills and expertise, and has a keen eye for identifying areas of improvement within the industry.
AJC Group moved into a prominent standalone office on Sandbanks Road in Poole in 20xx. Since then the company has expanded to over 40 property, construction and customer service professionals, with an area of operation across Dorset, Hampshire, Wiltshire and Somerset. The team specialises in delivering eco-focused high quality residential schemes, in partnership with Registered Providers, Local Authorities, and charities.
Sebastian Janes, Managing Director of AJC Group, said: “I am immensely proud of how far AJC Group has come, since our humble beginnings in 2011. Our aim has always been to improve the quality and quantity of affordable housing delivered in this region. With an outstanding skillset across our construction and office-based team, we are working incredibly hard to deliver innovative, design-led homes and set new standards for mixed-tenure partnership development.
“Although the buoyant housing market is softening, the demand for quality affordable housing continues to grow. The culture we have created at AJC Group is well-aligned with our partners and supply chain, which has been critical to fostering highly positive and productive working relationships, and securing repeat business. I am delighted to be at the helm of such a special company and thank my brilliant colleagues for their commitment and continued support.”
AJC Group has recently succeeded in trebling its turnover, while exceeding Building Regulations to construct high EPC-rated, energy-efficient homes. It is on target to deliver 500 new homes per year across the region by 2025 through land acquisition, brownfield regeneration, strategic land promotion, and considerate construction.
The company has seven live schemes under construction, including Okeford Fitzpaine in Blandford Forum, Violet Cross in Hazelbury Bryan, West Cliff Gardens and Lindsay Road – both in Bournemouth, Chaddesley Glen in Sandbanks, Poole, and North Road and Herbert Avenue – both also in Poole.
In October 2022, AJC Group became the youngest company to ever be crowned Housebuilder of the Year at the South Coast Property Awards, and also scooped Fast Rising Property Business of the Year. The firm was also shortlisted for the 2022 UK Employer of the Year (up to 49 employees) by Investors in People.
In August 2022, the company announced each member of staff would receive a £200 cost of living bonus each month for the foreseeable future. This, coupled with the introduction of a pension salary sacrifice scheme, means more money in the pockets of AJC Group staff. In addition, the company announced an extra day of annual leave for staff birthdays.