Perfectionist Projects has had a busy few years since its inception in 2009, growing to a £2m plus turnover company. At the helm is Claire Hardy, who is not only running a successful sign outfit, but is also paving the way for more women in the industry.
Hardy explains: “I started the business in 2009 with the view of offering freelance project management services to the industry, and it has grown into what it has today, which is about a £2m plus turnover company. We currently have 40 employees and are constantly recruiting the best installation crews. It’s an exciting time for us.”
The company prides itself on offering high-quality services including planning applications for advertising consent and scheme drawings. Last year, Perfectionist Projects started offering a surveying service including a guarantee for any survey, which is something that Hardy is extremely passionate about.
“In terms of the surveying service, it is scary how successful it has been,” says Hardy, adding: “Being a project manager by heart, by trade, and by nature, I just wanted to get this right.”
Paul Dell is the in-house surveyor, and produces detailed plans as part of the service. Hardy explains with obvious passion: “I wanted to set up a service that was reliable. We are growing that as fast as we can. I’ve got so much faith in it.”
I have an absolute passion to drag our industry into the 21st century in terms of health and safety”
Safety is another passion for Hardy. She continues: “I have an absolute passion to drag our industry into the 21st century in terms of health and safety. Every day I work hard to make sure our installation guys and surveyors are never put in a position where they are told to get on with it. I think no family man should go to work with that over his head.”
Another area Hardy and Perfectionist Projects is leading in, is giving women an equal playing field as there are a number of female employees at the company.
“We are strong women,” says Hardy, adding: “We are quite forthright. I’ve been in the industry since I was 18-years-old, and have always worked in a male environment, and I can hold my own. The strength that you have as a woman, being able to sit in a room full of men and say, ‘hang on, this does not make sense, what are we going to do?’ takes a lot.”
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