For over two decades, Jane Crowther has been a pivotal figure in the UK’s paper and print sector. Having grown up immersed in the world of paper through her family’s Salford-based business, she now holds a leading role at the iconic British paper company G . F Smith. But her influence stretches far beyond professional boundaries. Jane is also a committed advocate for creative collaboration, regional regeneration, and grassroots innovation in her hometown of Stockport and neighbouring Manchester.
On a recent visit to James Cropper’s mill in the Lake District—where much of G . F Smith’s remarkable paper is produced—Jane offered insight into her journey, career evolution, and the community-driven projects close to her heart. Her reflections reveal not just a story of expertise but of passion, resilience and the quiet power of persistence.
Leading with Vision: Jane Crowther’s Journey from Consultant to Countrywide Influencer in Paper
Jane Crowther has become a standout figure in the British paper industry—not through forceful sales tactics, but by shaping the industry through knowledge-sharing, community engagement, and a hands-on approach to creative consultancy. Her path from consultant to leading the entire UK Text and Cover Country Sales Team at G . F Smith represents far more than a career progression; it reflects her ongoing mission to transform how people understand, choose, and connect with paper.
In a world that is increasingly digital, Jane’s work is a reminder of the tactile, emotional power of high-quality materials. Designers, artists, printers, and students rely on her and her team not just for product advice but for strategic guidance on making their ideas tangible.
Paper as a Medium, Not a Product
At the heart of Jane’s approach lies a philosophy: paper isn’t just a material; it’s an experience. Her role as a consultant was never about selling stock or pushing volume. It was always about understanding the creator’s vision and finding a paper that brings it to life in a physical, meaningful way. Whether she’s advising on luxury packaging, book production, or gallery installations, she brings an intuitive sense of how texture, weight, tone, and finish impact a project’s final feel.
Clients don't just approach her for paper—they come for partnership. By asking the right questions and offering deep insight into the production and printing process, Jane ensures every paper selection enhances the design, message, and emotional impact. Her knowledge extends from technical details to the creative application of each sheet, making her presence vital in both commercial and artistic conversations.
A Consultative Approach to National Sales Leadership
As she stepped into her current leadership role at G . F Smith, Jane didn’t abandon the consultative values she was known for—she scaled them. Now managing a countrywide team, she instills the same mindset in every consultant under her wing. Her leadership isn’t rooted in metrics alone, but in mentorship, curiosity, and client care.
Each member of her team is trained not just to understand the extensive catalogue of paper types and finishes, but to listen actively, observe deeply, and think like designers. Their role is to support creative professionals with insight, not to upsell. This empathy-led leadership has shaped a network of trusted experts across the UK, who don’t see themselves as salespeople but as enablers of artistic and commercial excellence.
Elevating Conversations Across Industries
Jane’s work places her in conversation with a wide range of stakeholders—from ambitious graphic design students seeking portfolio-worthy paper to multinational corporations commissioning print campaigns. Her role, and that of her team, is fluid and adaptive. She might spend one morning advising a high-end printer on which cover weight stock performs best under foil-blocking and the afternoon supporting a museum on sustainable display materials.
This multifaceted communication skillset is what makes her unique in the industry. Her ability to shift tone, terminology, and teaching style based on who she’s talking to makes her work highly effective across age groups, industries, and contexts. Whether working with art directors, production managers, or educators, she meets them with the same respectful attention.
Connecting Paper to Purpose in Modern Creativity
Today’s creative professionals are not just looking for a product—they’re seeking a material that aligns with their values. Environmental sustainability, local production, ethical sourcing—these are now non-negotiable parts of the paper conversation. Jane has helped to modernise G . F Smith’s image by staying ahead of these cultural currents and ensuring that the consultants she trains are informed not just about fibres and grammage, but about certifications, lifecycle impact, and responsible forestry.
She often finds herself demystifying terms like FSC-certified, post-consumer waste, and carbon offsetting, making sure that even new designers understand the implications of their material choices. She frames these technical terms in a creative context, helping them see how responsible design enhances, rather than limits, innovation.
This ability to connect global concerns to local decisions—be it choosing recycled options or opting for smaller print runs—has made Jane a go-to figure for creatives who want their materials to match their message.
Nurturing a Culture of Education and Curiosity
One of the most defining aspects of Jane’s leadership style is her relentless focus on education. Rather than keeping knowledge gated within her team, she actively seeks to share it with a broader audience. From guest lecturing at design universities to offering technical sessions for print studios, she sees her role as part of a long educational chain.
This stems from her belief that the earlier you engage with young creatives, the stronger their lifelong connection to materials becomes. She’s frequently invited into classrooms to speak not just about the aesthetics of paper but the stories behind it—where it’s made, how it's crafted, and how it connects us.
This mentorship philosophy has paid off in a tangible way. Many of the students she once spoke to are now seasoned professionals who still reach out to her for guidance, treating her as a lifelong collaborator, not just a supplier.
Why Human Interaction Still Matters in a Digital World
The value Jane brings is enhanced—not replaced—by technology. Digital swatch books, sample ordering platforms, and automated tools now make paper selection more accessible. But she believes these tools are only truly effective when paired with human insight. Her team continues to build relationships that transcend transactional moments. They offer dialogue, empathy, and a nuanced understanding of what clients are really trying to express.
In a time where AI and automation are reshaping even the creative process, Jane’s presence is a reminder of the irreplaceable value of human touch. She advocates for keeping the tactile alive in our digital-first world, highlighting how paper gives form to ideas, roots them in reality, and allows people to pause, engage, and remember.
These values have particular weight in branding and design. As businesses search for ways to distinguish themselves in an oversaturated digital space, the physical impact of printed materials—when done well—offers unmatched emotional resonance. And that’s where Jane’s team steps in, helping brands turn strategy into tangible experience through texture, weight, and colour.
Crafting a Legacy Built on Impact, Not Just Output
What makes Jane’s journey from consultant to national leader so impactful is the consistency with which she has shown up—with humility, with care, and with conviction. Her leadership is not rooted in traditional corporate tactics but in community building, education, and genuine partnership. By investing in people first—whether customers, students, colleagues, or clients—she has fostered a culture of curiosity and creativity across the UK.
Her ability to evolve with the industry while preserving its timeless values makes her a rare figure in today’s commercial landscape. Where many leaders are preoccupied with profit margins, Jane’s focus is on meaning. And that’s why those who work with her often stay connected for years.
As she continues to lead, train, and inspire, Jane Crowther isn’t just helping G . F Smith remain a staple in the creative industries—she’s actively shaping how the next generation of creatives see, feel, and think about paper.
Building Connections That Matter: Jane Crowther’s Lifelong Impact on the Creative Community
In the evolving world of design, print, and material craftsmanship, few professionals embody genuine human connection like Jane Crowther. As an influential leader at G . F Smith and a passionate advocate for community-driven creativity, her work bridges the divide between material expertise and emotional intelligence. At the core of her professional journey lies an unshakeable belief: creativity flourishes when relationships are nurtured with care, understanding, and shared purpose.
Jane’s role has never been limited to advising on paper finishes or promoting technical innovations in print. Instead, she has become an anchor of support within the creative ecosystem—mentoring, listening, advising, and uplifting people at every stage of their creative evolution.
From Stage Fright to Standing Ovations
When Jane first began giving talks to students and emerging designers, public speaking was far outside her comfort zone. “It used to frighten me,” she shares. “Walking into a room full of bright, curious young adults, expecting insight and inspiration—there’s a lot of pressure. I felt like the quirky ‘paper lady’ showing up with swatches and samples.”
But as time passed, something shifted. She began to see the spark in students' eyes when they understood how transformative paper could be. That excitement, that engagement, became addictive. She started feeding off the room's energy, realising her deep knowledge of tactile materials could inspire and empower.
Today, Jane is a sought-after guest speaker at universities, design fairs, and industry panels. Her talks are more than informative—they’re personal, engaging, and filled with stories of success, challenge, and resilience. She encourages students to think with their hands as much as their heads, helping them see that paper isn’t just a surface—it’s part of the narrative.
Mentorship as a Lifelong Commitment
For Jane, connection doesn’t end at the lecture hall. Many of the young creatives she once mentored are now industry professionals, studio founders, and respected voices in the design community. They still reach out to her—not as a consultant, but as a trusted ally.
This ongoing connection is a cornerstone of her work. She believes that investing in people yields the greatest returns, not in profits or prestige, but in trust and transformation. From reviewing graduate portfolios to sharing job leads or offering feedback on production specs, she’s there long after the sample packs have been handed out.
Unlike fleeting transactional relationships, Jane fosters enduring partnerships. She stays accessible, responsive, and open, ensuring that even the most junior designers feel they have someone to lean on in a fast-paced and often overwhelming industry.
Cultivating Confidence Through Care
The design world can be intimidating—especially for those just starting out. Jane recognises the anxiety that often accompanies creative ambition. She’s lived it. That’s why she brings not only technical expertise but also emotional sensitivity to every interaction.
“I see the nerves in students. I know what it’s like to question yourself,” she says. “So I try to show them that expertise doesn’t mean perfection. It means caring enough to keep learning.”
Whether through one-on-one guidance or group sessions, Jane offers encouragement grounded in realism. She doesn’t gloss over the hard parts of the creative journey but helps emerging talents see them as growth opportunities. Her mentorship doesn’t just inform—it empowers.
This commitment to nurturing confidence has shaped countless creative paths. In moments of doubt, many recall Jane’s words, her kindness, or the time she spent helping them navigate a design decision that felt monumental at the time.
An Empathetic Approach to Creative Consultancy
In the traditional sense, consultancy is often viewed as data-driven, objective, and analytical. Jane, however, redefines it through empathy. Her consultations with creatives are conversational, collaborative, and emotionally aware. She asks questions that probe beyond the project: What story are you trying to tell? How do you want people to feel when they hold your work? What does success look like for you?
These kinds of questions spark introspection and unlock fresh perspectives for the people she works with. They turn the process of choosing paper into something meaningful—a co-creation rather than a selection task. Jane's role becomes more akin to that of a design therapist, someone who gently guides creators toward material choices that resonate with their intentions and values.
By centering human emotion in technical discussions, she helps transform ideas from intangible to tactile. And in doing so, she enhances not only the physical outcomes of a project but the creative experience itself.
Collaboration Across Generations
Jane’s ability to connect with individuals across all age groups is one of her most valuable assets. While she spends much time mentoring students and early-career designers, she’s equally respected by seasoned professionals. Studio heads, independent publishers, art directors, and curators often turn to her not just for paper knowledge but for her sharp creative insight and honest perspective.
This intergenerational rapport is rare. It allows her to act as a cultural translator—helping experienced clients understand the new design sensibilities of younger creators and vice versa. In an industry where trends evolve rapidly, Jane’s skill lies in bringing balance, ensuring that tradition and innovation are never at odds but in conversation.
Her influence across these varied audiences also gives her a unique vantage point. She’s able to spot emerging design movements early and offer practical advice that bridges the conceptual and commercial worlds.
A Silent Force Behind Creative Milestones
You may not always see Jane’s name attached to award-winning books, striking posters, or memorable packaging, but her influence is often embedded in their foundations. She’s the unseen collaborator—the one who helped choose the perfect paper that made the colours pop, the folds feel fluid, or the product feel luxurious.
She’s contributed to campaigns for galleries, record labels, universities, and independent makers—always working behind the scenes to elevate their vision. And while she may never claim credit, her fingerprints are all over the UK’s creative landscape.
Those who know her understand that her impact isn’t measured in volume or visibility but in subtle, consistent, deeply human ways. A reassuring email before a student’s final project print. A quiet suggestion that transforms a campaign’s visual tone. A shared laugh at a design event that turns into a lasting partnership.
Creating Community Through Connection
Perhaps what defines Jane’s legacy most clearly is the community she has helped to foster. From the creative hubs of Manchester to the resurgent streets of Stockport, she has played a key role in uniting designers, thinkers, and makers. Her presence is felt not only in meetings and lectures but in coffee shops, fairs, open studios, and local initiatives.
This sense of community isn’t just a byproduct of her work—it is the work. In every conversation, Jane is stitching together a larger creative fabric. One that celebrates diversity, supports experimentation, and encourages kindness in a competitive industry.
She doesn’t believe in gatekeeping knowledge or holding status over others. Instead, she sees her experience as something to be shared freely, especially with those who are still finding their voice. Her leadership is quiet but powerful, built not on hierarchy but on generosity.
A Company that Feels Like Family
Despite the global recognition of G . F Smith’s brand, Jane sees it as an extended family. “We’re not a faceless company. There’s genuine passion running through every part of the organisation—from the envelope makers to the leadership team. It’s rare, and I don’t take it for granted.”
Her regular visits to G . F Smith’s headquarters in Hull always rekindle her sense of belonging. It’s a reminder that while products might make a company known, it’s the people who keep it meaningful.
Foundations Built on Legacy: Jane Crowther’s Early Lessons in Paper, Pride, and Persistence
The path to professional excellence is rarely a straight line, and for Jane Crowther, the journey began with lineage, legacy, and learning to stand tall in the shadows of family expectations. Before becoming a respected figure in the UK’s creative and print industry, Jane was a determined young woman working to earn her place in a business built by generations before her.
Joining the family business at just 21, Jane stepped into Samuel Crowther’s, a well-established paper merchant in Salford. The company bore her family name and carried more than a century of heritage, founded by her great-great-grandfather. In this world, reputation meant everything, and carrying the family surname wasn’t just a privilege—it was a responsibility. Her experience there laid the foundation for the philosophy and character she brings to her role today.
Baptism by Paper: Learning the Business from the Bottom
Many might assume that being the daughter of the boss would grant Jane a comfortable, upward path. The reality couldn’t have been more different. “I wasn’t given an easy ride,” she admits. “I had to work harder, stay later, and know more just to be taken seriously.”
From the outset, Jane worked across admin and sales—handling customer queries, managing inventory data, and shadowing account managers who had been in the industry for decades. She learned not by instruction alone but by immersion. Surrounded by seasoned professionals who treated her like any other rookie, she was taught that hard work earns respect, not bloodlines.
What made her experience unique was the depth of knowledge she was exposed to from an early age. Understanding the nuances of GSM weights, knowing the difference between uncoated stock and gloss, reading between the lines of complex order sheets—these were not abstract lessons but daily responsibilities. By absorbing every aspect of paper logistics, she developed a level of fluency that most people take years to cultivate.
Family, Fun, and the Firm Reality of Expectations
Jane’s memories of those early days are tinged with humour and humility. One anecdote stands out in particular: her older brother, known for sometimes slacking off, once found himself hoisted onto a stack of pallets and tied up there by amused but fed-up colleagues. “It was their way of sending a message,” Jane laughs. “You had to earn your place.”
While playful moments like these brought levity, they also reflected the strong expectations baked into the company’s culture. Everyone was expected to contribute equally, regardless of surname. Jane credits this environment for instilling a sense of accountability that has remained with her throughout her career.
It was a lesson in humility—being treated not as an heir to a legacy but as someone who had to carve her own path. That lesson would later become one of her greatest strengths.
Old School Values in a New Age Industry
The paper trade in the early 1990s was very different from what it is today. Fax machines, physical order books, and analogue inventory systems were standard. It was a world of long-standing client relationships, face-to-face negotiations, and handshake deals. Paper wasn’t just a product—it was a trusted tool, a signature of quality for printers and creatives alike.
Jane entered the industry at a time when female representation, especially in sales and client-facing roles, was still rare. She recalls walking into long-established printing firms where she was sometimes met with raised eyebrows. “There was definitely an element of surprise—this young woman turning up to talk about paper with veteran printers. I had to earn their respect with knowledge and presence.”
Her response wasn’t frustration—it was preparation. She chose to become an expert. She made it her mission to know more than anyone else in the room, from the characteristics of wood-free fibres to the differences between offset and silk finishes. That drive for knowledge became her quiet advantage.
Embracing the Grind: Developing a Resilient Work Ethic
The early years at Samuel Crowther’s taught Jane not just about paper but about the less glamorous side of business: persistence. Cold calling clients, handling delayed deliveries, solving paper jams—these weren’t moments she shied away from; they were experiences that formed her resilience.
“You learn the real meaning of service when you’re the one who has to fix a problem,” she says. “I didn’t have a department to pass things off to. If something went wrong, I owned it.”
This ownership extended into client relationships. She learned to listen, to build trust over time, and to never overpromise. These values—so often missing in modern transactional sales environments—became the bedrock of her approach. It’s why, to this day, clients from her earliest years still recall her attentiveness and professionalism.
Lessons Passed Down: Honouring a Multi-Generational Business
Being part of a business with deep generational roots carries an emotional weight. For Jane, every decision, every interaction, and every milestone at Samuel Crowther’s was steeped in the knowledge that her ancestors had built something lasting. That sense of inheritance wasn’t about entitlement—it was about stewardship.
She often thought about her great-great-grandfather, who started the company in an era when paper was vital to every aspect of society—education, communication, commerce. She saw her role as continuing that tradition with integrity, adapting it for a new age while preserving its soul.
It’s this reverence for history that made her such a natural fit for G . F Smith later in her career. A company that, like Samuel Crowther’s, blends heritage with innovation. Jane didn’t just bring her skills—she brought a lineage of understanding that enriched her contribution.
Leaving the Nest: Moving From Family Business to National Stage
Eventually, Jane made the decision to leave the family business and take her expertise into broader territory. It wasn’t an easy choice, but it was a necessary one. “I needed to grow outside the shadow of my surname,” she explains. “To test myself in a bigger arena.”
Joining G . F Smith was both a leap and a natural progression. There, she found a culture that valued craftsmanship, storytelling, and people-centric thinking. Her deep knowledge of paper, forged in the family business, became a powerful asset. But more importantly, she found room to evolve.
She took the lessons of resilience, ethics, and empathy she had learned in her early years and applied them on a national scale—leading teams, consulting with global clients, and influencing creative decisions in industries far beyond traditional printing.
Earning Respect in a Traditional Industry
Early in her career, Jane often encountered skepticism when stepping into established, male-dominated print environments. “Walking into a century-old print business as a young woman was intimidating. But I quickly learned that respect isn’t handed to you—it’s earned. And knowledge is your greatest armour.”
Her approach has always been rooted in substance, not showmanship. By focusing on understanding every aspect of the paper supply chain and print application, she built confidence that naturally commanded recognition.
Embracing Experience and Growing Into Confidence
Turning 40 marked a quiet but empowering shift for Jane. “I realised I no longer had to seek validation. I’d done the work. I’d paid my dues. And I finally felt like I was being seen for who I really am—a capable, knowledgeable professional.”
While ageism and gender stereotypes still exist in some industries, Jane feels that the creative community has become more inclusive over time. “We’ve come a long way. Today, I rarely think about being a woman in this space—it’s just not a defining factor anymore.”
Still, she champions a return to what she calls “simple decency”—the kind of respect and politeness she was raised with. “Holding doors, saying thank you, treating people with care—these things should never go out of style.”
Navigating the Digital Age Without Losing Human Touch
Jane sees a link between the decline in everyday civility and our increasing dependence on digital communication. “Technology is amazing—it’s connected us in powerful ways. But it can also create distance. When you hide behind a screen, it’s easy to forget the impact of simple human kindness.”
That said, she takes pride in the values she’s passed on to her daughter. “She always says thank you—even to the bus driver. Those little gestures give me hope for the next generation.”
Managing Work-Life Balance in a High-Performance Role
As someone who works primarily from home, Jane treasures the flexibility her role allows. But she’s quick to caution against glamorising overwork.
“I sometimes put in long hours, but it’s by choice, and it doesn’t harm anyone else. Unfortunately, there’s a culture that treats burnout like a badge of honour. That’s damaging.”
For Jane, true productivity comes from smart time management and trusting teams. “If employees are constantly exhausted, the problem isn’t them—it’s the system they’re in.”
Cultivating Community Through Breakfast Club Manchester
Beyond her professional role, Jane is the co-founder of Breakfast Club Manchester, a grassroots networking event that brings together creatives, entrepreneurs, and change-makers from around Greater Manchester.
Launched with Peggy Manning and now co-hosted with Alessandra Mostyn of Manchester Print Fair, the club hosts monthly morning meet-ups with inspiring guest speakers. Each event is free to attend and offers a space where professionals can share their stories and support each other’s ventures.
“We’ve had people talk about everything from mental health projects to local charities. It’s about fostering a culture of sharing, not competition.”
Rekindling a Relationship With Stockport
Jane’s hometown of Stockport, once a place she couldn’t wait to leave, has become one of her greatest passions. “As a teenager in the 1970s, I saw Stockport as drab and lifeless. But now I see how much character and history it holds.”
Recognising the area’s untapped potential, Jane joined forces with designer Vicky Carr to launch Open Spaces—a community-driven initiative that aims to breathe life back into Stockport’s Old Town.
Their idea was simple: turn the eyesores of shuttered shops into canvases for creativity. They proposed rotating art installations by local artists, supported by a central theme that evolves throughout the year.
From Empty Shops to Creative Hubs
Stockport Council embraced the idea enthusiastically. Not only did they back the shutter-painting project, but they also provided two vacant retail spaces to be transformed into temporary creative studios.
“Open Spaces isn’t funded by the council—it’s supported by their trust. Everyone involved gives their time for free. It’s entirely voluntary, and that’s what makes it so special.”
Jane describes the outpouring of support as astonishing. “As soon as we began, people from all walks of life offered to help. It’s amazing what can happen when even a few individuals decide to act.”
Inspiring Urban Renewal Through Creativity
What Jane and her collaborators hope to achieve in Stockport mirrors the transformation that occurred in Manchester’s Northern Quarter. Once overlooked and underdeveloped, that district became a thriving creative hub through grassroots efforts.
“We want to do the same in Stockport—make it a vibrant place to live and work, not just for creatives but for everyone. The potential is there. It just needs momentum.”
She believes that independent businesses, artists, and small initiatives are key to this shift. By valuing community and investing in local talent, towns like Stockport can reinvent themselves from the inside out.
Final Reflections:
In a world where people often find themselves trapped in work that feels disconnected from their values, Jane Crowther stands out as someone who has woven her personal passions into her professional life with remarkable authenticity. Her journey through the paper industry, rooted in family tradition and nurtured over decades, is a testament to the power of long-term dedication. But more than that, it's about creating meaningful connections—with people, with place, and with purpose.
Jane’s story is not just about being successful in her field. It's about becoming a connector—someone who bridges gaps between generations, industries, and communities. Whether she’s mentoring a young designer, advising a major printer, or revitalising a neglected high street in Stockport, she brings the same energy, generosity, and sincerity to everything she does.
She has shown that professional achievement doesn't have to come at the cost of compassion. In fact, she believes it should be grounded in it. Her initiatives like Breakfast Club Manchester and Open Spaces are not side projects—they are extensions of the same values that define her work at G . F Smith: collaboration, accessibility, and creativity that includes everyone.
What’s particularly inspiring is how Jane has embraced her personal growth alongside her career development. She openly reflects on the challenges of being a young woman in a male-dominated space, the self-doubt that sometimes crept in, and the evolving confidence that comes with age and experience. Instead of letting obstacles define her, she used them to sharpen her skills, strengthen her resolve, and expand her influence.
Her love for her job is refreshingly unapologetic. In a culture where complaining about work is often the norm, Jane’s joyful commitment to her role is not only rare—it’s empowering. She reminds us that it's not naïve to enjoy what you do. It's aspirational. And perhaps more importantly, she shows that when you align your talents with the needs of your community, the impact is not only lasting but deeply fulfilling.
Jane Crowther is more than a leader in paper. She is proof that when passion, experience, and empathy converge, even the most traditional industries can become platforms for creative revolution and community renewal.
