Wayne Hallas (left) and Peter Hurst have found a strong market for the expertise provided by their project management services company, inProjects

When long-time Hong Kong residents Matt Fletcher, Wayne Hallas and Peter Hurst set up their company inProjects Ltd, in 2001, they had one clear goal: to provide truly independent project management services to commercial and retail companies carrying out interior fitting or refurbishment.

The company assists clients in identifying their requirements, appointing the design team and consultants, procuring the best value suppliers and contractors and making sure that the work is executed efficiently and effectively.

As inProjects celebrates its second anniversary, the order books are full and the company has recently moved into larger premises ─ the third expansion since it was set up. Offices have also been opened in Singapore and Australia, which are managed from Hong Kong.

Mr Hurst, inProjects' director and project manager, said many Hong Kong companies offer project management services but few are completely independent. By avoiding alliances with other companies, independent project managers are in the position to objectively represent their client's best interests.   

Ideal environment for business

The three British friends, who previously worked together in other enterprises, say Hong Kong provides the ideal environment for inProjects to operate in. "Skill levels of the many different professions involved in the refurbishment business are high and there is a strong culture of getting things done correctly and on-time," said Mr Hallas, another inProjects director and project manager. 

He said the fast roll-out of the Hong Kong  'Disney Concept Stores', which was managed by inProjects had opened three to four weeks before the same stores in the US with up to 30 per cent less costs. "Our approach to projects ensures that the right people are selected for the project roles and that the project team is carefully and properly structured," Mr Hallas added. "The skills we are able to draw on in Hong Kong ensure a concentrated and focused response during every stage of the project."  The company has been appointed project managers for two additional 'new concept' Disney Stores at the Hong Kong International Airport, the first time the new design will be used outside the US.

Previous projects managed by inProjects have been worth between HK$50,000 (US$6,410) and HK$200 million (US$25,643). The company is currently overseeing the relocation, refurbishment and fit-out of 10,000-square-feet of retail space at the Hong Kong International Airport on behalf of Nuance Watsons, the main client. The project includes all general merchandise, plus a number of luxury boutiques for global retailers Bally, Bulgari, Omega and Longchamps.  The Body Shop International has also appointed inProjects to manage and co-ordinate the roll-out of a new range of cosmetic stands across more than 500 stores in the Asia-Pacific region.

"With Hong Kong as the hub of Asia and the Asian headquarters for scores of multinationals, the future looks bright and I believe our company will continue to prosper and grow," Mr Hallas said.

Related link:
InProjects www.inprojects.net