About - Church Barn Group: Property Development & Investment

About Church Barn Group

Church Barn Group is a privately owned and funded property development company, bringing a personal approach to development, investment and land promotion.

From our base in a beautifully refurbished barn on the South Downs Way, we live and breathe development opportunities and work to bring exceptional design to residential and commercial property schemes.

With private cash reserves in place, we are primed for fast decisions and immediate investment.

The history of Church Barn Group

Church Barn Group is led by Founder Mike Jones, who launched the business in 2021 following the sale of his former property services business the same year.

Mike established Michael Jones & Co Estate Agents in 1991 after spotting a niche for an agency with in-depth local knowledge of West Sussex. Michael Jones & Co grew rapidly and even flourished during the 2008 crash, having purchased three competitors during the downturn, Mike eventually came to sell in 2021.From the noughties onwards, Michael Jones & Co. was the area’s leading independent estate agency, employing more than 100 people along the coastal strip of West Sussex.

After the successful sale of Michael Jones to Lloyds Development Finance, Mike put his three decades of unrivalled property knowledge into founding Church Barn Group.

Meet the Team

Church Barn Group comprises a small team of property experts who are ready to navigate every stage of the investment and development process with passion, skill, and the ability to make swift decisions.

Mike Jones

Founder & CEO

Since leaving school in the early 80’s , Mike has been immersed in the world of property in the Southeast – advising on a variety of large development schemes to both privately owned and PLC operators. Mike formed Church Barn in 2021 following the sale of his business, estate agents Michael Jones & Co.

Outside work, Mike is married with two girls and lives and works directly on the South Downs Way, enjoying mountain biking, running and walking. He is an enthusiastic shot and keen countryman, often found on a Friday night in the local enjoying a pint and socialising with friends.

Matt Blyth

Construction Director

Matt’s enthusiasm for property stems from his first passion, carpentry, which saw him completing shop fits for large retailers across Europe straight out of school. Matt opened his own construction business in 2017, Cre8tive Construction, serving both the residential and commercial property sectors.

Matt has worked closely with Mike for 10 years and joined Church Barn as Construction Director in 2021.

Outside work Matt enjoys staying active by visiting the gym and going on rural dog walks with his family.

Emma Isaac

Operations Director

Having worked side by side with Mike Jones for 28 years, Emma has gained invaluable insights into the property industry, both in residential and commercial domains.

Proudly rooted in Worthing, she has lived and worked here her entire life and when not busy with work, Emma enjoys spending time with her two children, going on dog walks and socialising.

Sam Mills

Head of Finance

Sam is a qualified accountant (FCCA) and previously worked for 12 years as group Finance Director of a large insurance broker. She has a keen interest in property and alongside working at Church Barn, she holds a portfolio of local properties which she manages with her husband. In her free time, she enjoys socialising with friends, and walking the family dog across the South Downs.

About Us