Unlocking Global Opportunities: Providing Quantity Surveying & Project Management in Europe

Podcast 5 - How To Create International Partnerships

Hello, I’m Julian Church and today I’m thrilled to take you through some of my experience in Quantity Surveying & Project Management that involves international partnerships, iconic brands and a whole lot of passion for what I do.

You know, as a Quantity Surveyor & Project Manager, my work isn’t just about numbers and calculations. It’s about crafting spaces that inspire, that tell stories, and that truly make a difference. Now, you might be thinking, “Julian, how does that tie into global opportunities and international partnerships?” Well, let me walk you through it.

A Step into the Global Arena

I’ve had the privilege of not only dealing with local projects but also venturing into the international realm. From the get-go, I want to stress that it’s not just about putting up structures; it’s about creating experiences that resonate with people across cultures and borders. I’ve had the pleasure of working on a diverse array of projects – restaurants, bars, health and wellness spaces, and even local community initiatives. But let me tell you, the international projects have left a legacy in my memories.

In the 2010s, the opportunity to work with Adidas came knocking. Yes, you heard that right – Adidas, the iconic brand that’s a household name across the globe. Now, how did that happen? Well, it was all thanks to a recommendation from a trusted consultant. They saw the potential in our skills and brought us on board to support Adidas in their project management endeavours. Little did I know where this would take us.

From Project Management to International Expansion

Our journey with Adidas started with project management, but also Quantity Surveying & providing cost management. We collaborated closely, navigating the intricacies of their projects, and before we knew it, we had established a solid partnership. The initial projects were in the UK, but soon we were being utilised on projects in the Scandics and Benelux countries, assisting our client Project lead with their works in these countries.

Our initial foreign location with Adidas led us to Stockholm, Sweden – a leap from local to international. We helped implement the refurbishment of the main brand store, reflecting the latest Adidas brand spirit. And guess what? This was just the beginning. Our journey carried us through Norway, Denmark, Finland, Holland, Belgium, and back to the UK. We were working on the top brand stores but also retail outlets, from high-end shopping destinations like Westfield to sports performance centers and leisure havens. The Adidas treefoil sitting side by side with the performance logo, thus incorporating the leisure brand and sports performance clothing and equipment together.

Learning the Global Dynamics

Now, let me pull back the curtain a bit. Working with a global brand like Adidas isn’t just about design and construction; it’s about understanding the brand’s essence and tailoring it to different regions. For instance, reviewing the German roots of Adidas and grasping how general construction procurement strategies differed in Europe compared to the UK and how this could be applied within the Adidas procurement frameworks based on Germanic origins. It’s all in the details – drafting contracts, incorporating brand-specific terms and ensuring seamless communication throughout the process.

Diverse Challenges, United Solutions

Challenges – they’re an integral part of any journey and ours was no different. Take the Westfield Adidas storefront, for instance. It might look sleek and minimalistic from the outside, but crafting that involved conquering intricate designs, large spans of glass, and structural elements that demanded innovative solutions. We helped provide a conduit for communication and design to achieve the aesthetic within Building Regulations and to accord with Westfield site rules in installation.

The Future Beckons

As I look ahead, I look forward to what’s to come. While the high street is currently facing its share of challenges, it doesn’t dampen our enthusiasm to achieve and provide value. We’re open to new possibilities, always ready to engage with projects that make a difference. Just recently, we delved into a shop project related to an NHS trust, where we lent our expertise in stock rooms, shelving, and displays for fundraising. It’s moments like these that remind me of the incredible impact our work can have.

Join the Conversation

So, if these types of projects and seeking to provide value resonates with you, I invite you to access the full story. You can watch the podcast episode where I share our experience about our work with Adidas and beyond. 

Simply click on this link: [Watch the Podcast Episode](https://youtu.be/1EtKDFMgV7I?si=k5kSe5wNzK5VogvX).

If you’re hungry for more insightful conversations and insight from the world of construction and fit out, make sure to seek out and follow our podcast series playlist: 

[Explore the Podcast Series]

(https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIcz_1U68BVHNufYy05JFOdGBHGB1xvKe).

Watch Here

Let’s Connect

Are you seeking professional assistance and control of your fit out or construction project? Reach out to me at Julian@jca-ltd.co.uk, and let’s start a conversation. Whether it’s a grand project or a community initiative, I’m here to bring my skills and expertise to the table. Don’t forget, you can also catch up with me on social media – find me on Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn for more updates and insights.

Finally, thank you for joining me and reading through my thoughts and memories above. Every project, every partnership and every conversation fuels my passion, I can’t wait to see what the future holds. Stay inspired, stay creative, and let’s continue building spaces that tell remarkable stories.

Until next time,

Julian Church

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