Jane is one half of Jackson O’Connor Architecture Ltd, an architecture practice with over 30 years’ experience, specialising in workplace, arts and media and residential projects.
They combine creativity and hands-on experience to design innovative spaces, while also supporting over 30 artists, many of whom are local, through their inhouse JOC Ceramics Gallery.
Jane's Re:Create Story
Jane applied to Re:Create Richmond to help build sustainability into the business model. She was also keen to build awareness locally of the ceramics gallery.
With a need to diversify their client base and increase opportunities for growth, Jane was matched with experienced management consultant and business mentor Sabina Strachan. Jane explained how Sabina’s expertise and fresh perspectives helped the business to move towards growth:
“Sabina enabled us to take fresh look at both aspects of the business. Highlighting areas we knew needed work, but more importantly highlighting aspects of the business [where] we could make definitive improvements.”
To further improve her marketing strategies, Jane complemented her mentoring experience with modules from the E-learning course:
“I loved the setting a deadline aspect of this [the E-learning module]. When things get busy marketing can easily take a back seat. We had 5 case studies waiting to get uploaded to the website. In spite of being extremely busy I made myself find time to get this done.”
This approach has already reaped rewards for the business:
“I’m out tonight at a black tie business dinner in the City and know when anyone chats to me I have confidence in our message, collateral and aims. Our being at this dinner wouldn’t have happened without the mentoring and e marketing seminars.”
The Re:Create Effect
As a result of being on the programme Jane reported an increase in confidence in how to grow and sustain her business, with marked increases in skills and confidence in creating a marketing strategy, business planning and managing cashflow, building network and digital marketing.
Jane expects the company’s income to increase as a result and is looking forward to the year ahead:
“We started 2025 with fresh energy- mapping our network and making a concerted effort to create a clear message and communicate this, setting deadlines and polishing our brand,” she said.
Summing up her experience Jane said:
“What had improved [through Re:Create] was my approach in how to win new business and how better to communicate our messaging and targets.”
To find out more about Jane and and her work as an architect…
Click HERE to visit the Jackson O’Connor Architecture Ltd website.
