Articles Archives - JAC Group

Places She Shapes: Live Podcast at WSP

12th January 2026/in Articles/by Olya Velychenko

The latest Places She Shapes event brought the podcast to life with a special live recording hosted at WSP, bringing together inspiring voices for an evening of meaningful conversation, connection, and collaboration.

Hosted by our Owner and Managing Director, Zoe Smeeth, the event welcomed guests from both Season 1 and Season 2 of the Places She Shapes podcast. The live discussion featured:

Claire Gott MBE, Head of Building Structures at WSP UK & Ireland
Michelle (Mitch) Lloyd Jones, Fighter Pilot & Qualified Flying Instructor (QFI) at Ascent Flight Training
Diana Pego, Project Director at Area
Amanda Salt, Managing Director EMEA at Insidesource
And guest speaker Laura Collins, Senior Development Director at Stanhope

The evening created an open and engaging space for honest conversations about navigating careers, overcoming challenges, and championing change across the industry. Each speaker reflected on pivotal moments in their journey, sharing stories that resonated with everyone in the room and reinforced the power of community and representation.

A huge thank you goes to Storm Events for their brilliant production in bringing the live recording to life. We are also incredibly grateful to the WSP UK team for hosting and collaborating with us on the event. The live recording is another important step in continuing the Places She Shapes mission: amplifying the voices of women across the built environment and sharing the stories that inspire change.

Watch the full live podcast on YouTube – here
Instagram: @PlacesSheShapes
TikTok: @PlacesSheShapes
Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and many more of your favourite podcast platforms.

Places She Shapes: The Event

10th October 2025/in Articles/by Olya Velychenko

Places She Shapes: The Event brought together an incredible community of women, leaders, and supporters to celebrate the power of women shaping the spaces around them. The evening highlighted how collaboration, courage, and leadership can create meaningful opportunities and drive real change.

A special thank you went to the Podcast Guests from Seasons 1 and 2, who shared their experiences of leading with purpose and building inclusive environments. Their stories of pivotal moments and courageous choices inspired everyone present.

Gratitude was also extended to the Places She Shapes podcast team, Storm Events for bringing the event to life, and Greg from Design Religion for the beautiful logo that captured the spirit of the evening.

The event also celebrated the contributions of our empowering collaborators:

Samantha at Dress for Success Greater London – supporting women to gain economic independence through professional attire, coaching, and a supportive community. Those interested in supporting or getting involved could reach out to Samantha Latouche at slatouche@dressforsuccessgl.org or call 020 3773 7279 / 07480 611 998.
Rebecca and Varsha at Girls Can Build – inspiring and equipping girls to explore careers in construction and the built environment. To learn more or get involved, contact Rebecca Harris at rebecca.harris@ocl.london and Varsha Patel at varsha.patel@ocl.london.

The event was a reminder of the strength of the community supporting Places She Shapes. Every supporter, listener, and collaborator continues to play a vital role in helping women amplify their voices and create meaningful change.

🎧 Places She Shapes Season 2 is set to continuing these conversations, amplifying the voices of inspiring women and exploring the moments that have shaped their journeys.

Follow Places She Shapes on:

Instagram: @PlacesSheShapes
TikTok: @PlacesSheShapes
Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and many more of your favourite podcast platforms.

The Places She Shapes team thanks everyone who has been part of this journey. Together, these efforts are shaping something truly meaningful.

JAC Group’s project for KI Europe is nominated for an award!

25th September 2025/in Articles/by Marcel Afunyah

We are thrilled to announce that our recent collaboration with KI Europe has been shortlisted for the FX Awards 2025 in the UK Workspace Environment category!

The project involved the creation of a dynamic and inspiring showroom and office workspace, designed to support collaboration, innovation, and functionality. We were delighted to provide Project Management and Cost Consultancy services for this transformative environment, supporting the talented team who brought this vision to life.

It’s incredibly rewarding to see this project receiving the recognition it deserves, and we’re keeping our fingers crossed as we go up against some impressive competition!

You can view our project here: KI Europe

JAC Hiked Scafell Pike for The Felix Project

17th September 2025/in Articles/by Olya Velychenko

Hiking England’s highest peak wasn’t just a challenge – it was a spectacle, as a team of fruit and vegetables conquered Scafell Pike, all to raise money for The Felix Project.

The weather gave us everything from wind and rain to brutal hail, but the energy and positivity carried us through, and there was no shortage of laughs along the way.

The Felix Project does incredible work redistributing surplus food, making sure good food reaches those who need it most instead of going to waste. Every step we took was to raise awareness and funds for their mission.

We’d love your support!
Any donation, big or small, helps us make a difference. If you’d like to contribute, please visit our fundraising page:
👉 https://www.justgiving.com/page/jac-project-management-2025?utm_medium=FA&utm_source=CL

JAC Proudly Sponsors Season 2 of Places She Shapes

26th August 2025/in Articles/by Olya Velychenko

JAC is delighted to announce our sponsorship of Season 2 of Places She Shapes, a podcast hosted by our Owner and Managing Director, Zoe Smeeth.

Places She Shapes is an international podcast that shines a light on women thriving across diverse industries, sharing unfiltered stories of ambition, resilience, and success. Each episode explores the pivotal “sliding door moments” that have shaped our guests’ careers, with the aim of inspiring the next generation of leaders and creating a mentorship platform for women navigating their own journeys.

We are especially proud that the podcast is recorded at the iconic Abbey Road Studios, a venue renowned worldwide as a birthplace of timeless recordings and a symbol of innovation, and cultural influence.

By supporting Places She Shapes, JAC reaffirms our commitment to elevating voices, championing diversity, and shaping opportunities for women in business and beyond.

Places She Shapes is available to stream on all major podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts and Spotify, with new episodes accessible worldwide.

🌐 Website: www.placessheshapes.co.uk
Instagram & TikTok: @PlacesSheShapes

JAC Group’s project for Databricks is nominated for an award!

26th August 2025/in Articles/by Olya Velychenko

We are proud to announce that our recent project with Databricks London has been shortlisted as a finalist for the SBID® – Society of British & International Interior Design Awards 2025.

The project involved the relocation and refurbishment of Databricks’ 29,000 sq. ft workplace, creating a dynamic environment designed to enhance innovation, functionality, and impact. We were delighted to provide Project Management services for this exciting transformation.

You can view our project here:

Databricks

JAC Group’s project for a Confidential Client is nominated for an award!

5th December 2024/in Articles/by Olya Velychenko

JAC Group would like to share the exciting news that our Confidential Client at Berkeley Square, London was shortlisted as a finalist for Mix Interior’s Mixology23 Project of the Year in the category ‘Workplace Interiors 5-15k+ sq ft’

JAC Group provided Project Management, Cost Consultancy, Contract Administrator services to this client.

See our project and the other nominees here:

MF Design Studio – Confidential Project Mayfair

JAC Group’s project for EFG Private Bank is nominated for an award!

5th December 2024/in Articles/by Olya Velychenko

JAC Group would like to share the exciting news that EFG Private Bank at Park House London was shortlisted as a finalist for Mix Interior’s Mixology23 Project of the Year in the category ‘Workplace Interiors 30-70k+ sq ft’

JAC Group provided Project Management and cost consultancy services to EFG Private Bank.

See our project and the other nominees here:

AIS – EFG International, London

JAC Group’s project for Dorchester Collection is nominated for an award!

5th December 2024/in Articles/by Olya Velychenko

JAC Group would like to share the exciting news that Dorchester Collection at 1 Knightsbridge was shortlisted as a finalist for Mix Interior’s Mixology24 Awards in the category ‘Project of the Year: Workplace Interiors 15-30k sqft’

JAC Group provided Project Management services to Dorchester Collection.

See our project and the other nominees here:

MF Design Studio – Dorchester Collection, London

JAC Group’s project for Nice Systems is nominated for an award!

5th December 2024/in Articles/by Olya Velychenko

JAC Group would like to share the exciting news that Nice Systems at 88 Wood Street was shortlisted as a finalist for Mix Interior’s Mixology24 Awards in the category ‘Project of the Year: Workplace Interiors 5-15k sqft’

JAC Group provided Project Management and Cost Consultancy advice and services to Nice Systems.

See our project and the other nominees here:

SPACE – NICE – 88 Wood Street, London

Pulling Together: JAC’s Rowing Challenge 2024

5th December 2024/in Articles/by Olya Velychenko

This summer the JAC team came together and formed an ‘oarsome’ crew with InsideSource to compete against on the tidal titans that were Echo Space taking on the JAC Rowing Challenge 2024 – an 8.5mile course along the River Thames. The goal? To raise funds and awareness for the remarkable AHOY Centre ahoy.org.uk a charity dedicated to transforming lives through water-based activities like sailing, rowing, and powerboating. And of course, be the prestigious winners of the JAC Rowing Challenge Trophy!

Based in Deptford, the AHOY Centre provides life-changing opportunities for disadvantaged, at-risk, and disabled young people. Through sailing, rowing, powerboating, and more, the charity fosters life skills, confidence, and community. AHOY’s programs ensure inclusivity, allowing young people from all backgrounds to grow and thrive on equal footing. It’s been a privilege to support this incredible organisation for nine consecutive years, and we are eagerly anticipating our 10th anniversary partnership in 2025!

So going back to the race…the day dawned with clear skies, and while the weather was on our side, the tide had other ideas. Rowing along the Thames felt like moving through treacle, but the unwavering determination of our team shone through. With every pull of the oar, we relied on grit, teamwork, and a shared mission to reach the finish line. The camaraderie was palpable as everyone pushed through the challenges, embodying the spirit of the AHOY Centre: resilience, collaboration, and purpose. Despite the demanding conditions, we crossed the line in a very respectable time, a testament to the effort and energy of every participant.

As we reflect on the success of this year’s challenge, we can’t help but look forward to 2025, which will mark a decade of our partnership with the AHOY Centre.

Supporting their mission has been both a privilege and a joy, and we’re excited to make next year’s event even more impactful.

A huge thank you to everyone who participated or donated. Together, we’re not just rowing; we’re helping change lives

If you would like to get involved contact us info@jac-group.co.uk

See you on the water next year!

Charity Row For Ahoy 2023

9th August 2023/in Articles/by Kate Fuller

On the calm waters of the river Thames, a remarkable event unfolded this past May, bringing together passionate rowers, enthusiastic volunteers, and a shared commitment to making a difference. The annual JAC Rowing Event 2023 for The AHOY Centre charity, showcased the incredible power of unity and determination, leaving an indelible mark on both participants and beneficiaries alike.

The seeds of the event were sown months in advance, as a dedicated team of organisers from both JAC and AHOY came together to transform a vision into reality. Fuelled by a common desire to support The AHOY Centre, the event aimed not only to raise funds but also to raise awareness about the cause’s importance in the community.

Against the backdrop of London’s famous landmarks, in the warm sunshine rowing enthusiasts from all walks of life gathered at the starting point in Chelsea. As oars met water and boats glided gracefully (sometimes!), the rhythmic strokes created a symphony of unity and harmony. Novice rowers and seasoned athletes alike found themselves united by the shared challenge and the cause that propelled them forward.

The rowing event was more than just a race; the crews seized the opportunity to connect with fellow rowers, forging new friendships and deepening their sense of community. The event’s spirit of empowerment extended beyond the waters, inspiring the crews to reach beyond their limits – ignoring the pain (and the blisters!) and contribute to something greater than themselves.

From the heartwarming camaraderie during the training sessions and group warm up to the intense yet friendly competition that followed, the event was filled with moments of triumph and inspiration. We’re massively proud of our JAC crew; Lee Talbot, Oliver Tice, Tobi Shadare, Prabhasha Limbachia, Josh Potter, and Lewis Reyes who completed the 8.5 mile course in just over an hour – a very respectable time!

This year we were delighted to compete against OD Group who were keen to join our challenge. In the nail-biting final moments, as the crews approached the finishing line, OD Group pipped us to the post by just two minutes, becoming the winners of the prestigious JAC Rowing Trophy. A huge well done to all involved!

The event’s fundraising efforts yielded remarkable results, smashing our initial target of £2,500 we managed to raise £3,900 for the AHOY Centre charity. The impact of these contributions will be felt by all those receiving charity support, in ways that promise to be transformative.

As the waters of the event settle, the impact of this remarkable day continues to unfold. The bonds forged, the connections made, and the funds raised are all testament to the spirit of generosity and determination that define our community.

We remain committed to building on this success and look forward to next year when we do it all again. Fancy taking part? Find out more about this amazing charity The Ahoy Centre Charity

The AHOY Centre is a water sports-based charity that uses sailing and rowing to help change the lives of disadvantaged, at-risk and disabled youth. They break down social barriers and organise innovative activities and courses. Through water sports the AHOY Charity Centre builds important, transferable, and employable life skills while bringing together a community helping others.