What does it take to build a business that’s not only profitable but also purpose-driven? Julian Church, founder of Julian Church & Associates, offers a refreshing perspective on how companies can balance profitability with community impact and sustainability. From humble beginnings in quantity surveying and project management to achieving the coveted B Corp certification, Julian’s story is a blueprint for businesses looking to leave a legacy of positive change.
Company History
Julian Church & Associates was founded in February 2001, born out of Julian’s desire to create a more balanced and meaningful approach to quantity surveying and project management. Reflecting on his early career, Julian shared, “I felt like I was having to bring the work in, do the work, and then invoice it. I thought I could work 50% of the time and still achieve the same results.” This realisation led him to establish his own practice rooted in quality and integrity. When Julian first founded the company, Julian decided he didn’t want to ‘steal’ any clients from his previous company however some clients chose to follow him, recognising his commitment to excellence. This ethical foundation became a hallmark of his business, driving its growth and success.
Sector Workload Type
Historically the company workload consisted generally 80% hospitality focused fit out and construction with the remaining 20% fluctuating between education, retail, health and community projects. Throughout the years the business has continued to grow working with prestigious companies in the hospitality and retail sectors such as Adidas, Caffe Nero and Gaucho (Gioma restaurant group). However, when the COVID 19 pandemic hit, the world of hospitality halted and consequently the business was significantly impacted.
Business For Good
Julian utilised this time to focus on attaining B Corp certification. By 2022, his firm had achieved this milestone, demonstrating its commitment to balancing profit with purpose. For Julian, the decision was clear: “Business should be for good. There’s nothing wrong with making money, but at the same time, you should share the benefits with your local community.”
As part of the B Corp ethos, Julian’s team has integrated sustainable practices into their operations. Highlights include:
- Carbon offsetting: Measuring and offsetting their carbon footprint, with a goal of reducing it to 10% of previous levels.
- Tree Planting: Julian’s team partners with local organisations to plant trees on behalf of businesses and individuals. Due to the success of these local planting schemes, they are at capacity. Julian is looking to plant trees in Scotland and other parts of the United Kingdom to continue the commitment of planting five trees per project.
- Sustainable Travel: Prioritising electric cars and trains to minimise travel emissions. While online meetings are preferred economically, in-person site visits are sometimes necessary. For these, the company uses the train network or electric vehicles to reduce environmental impact.
Working within the community
Another aspect of the B Corp certification is how as a business they can aid the local community. Recently Julian and the team have been working on revitalising a boarded-up rotunda in Worthing, transforming it into a space that benefits both the local council and the fishing community. By supporting Worthing Beach Fishermen with cold storage facilities, they’re enabling longer preservation of their catch, boosting local sales, and reducing waste. For this project JCA are providing their services pro bono for a facility that enhances public spaces and aids the fisherman to create more business for themselves.
Other community contributions include sponsoring local arts centres, supporting educational programs for children and the elderly as well as providing space for evening events and concerts.
Looking forward
Looking ahead to the remainder of 2025, Julian envisions a continued focus on community-driven projects, expanding their work in education, healthcare, and council-led initiatives. While hospitality projects have historically comprised 80% of their portfolio, Julian hopes to see this balance shift, with education and infrastructure projects playing a larger role.
“I would like to think that in the years ahead, we will be responsible to our local community,” Julian shares. Whether it’s improving health facilities or supporting educational needs, his goal is clear: to create spaces that uplift and empower.
JCA’s journey is a powerful reminder that businesses can thrive while making a difference. Their story demonstrates how professional integrity, sustainability, and community responsibility can go hand in hand.
If you’re inspired by this approach and have a project in mind, Julian invites you to connect via LinkedIn or through his company website. We encourage you to share your thoughts in the comments below. If you’re looking for more insights on sustainability and community impact, be sure to subscribe for future updates.
