Raymond Clarke

About Me

Hi! My name is Raymond (or Ray) Clarke, and I am a self-employed partitioner, carpenter and ceiling fitter with over 25 years of experience, currently based in Perth, Australia.

I started work as a sub-contractor in 1985, working for various companies in the partition and ceiling industry in which I have formed my career to date. My length and breadth of experience have made me used to working to high specifications and tight schedules, and to catering for the individual needs and desires of a wide range of large- and small-scale clients.

I am equally able to work comfortably on my own or as part of a group of skilled professionals, and I pride myself on my ability to create effective fit-outs and finding solutions for clients from large retailers and fashion franchises to aviation companies, financial institutions and healthcare providers, spanning the length and breadth of the United Kingdom.

My Qualifications

I currently hold a VETASSESS Carpentry Level 3 qualification, having passed my VETASSESS exam on the 22^nd October, 2011. This internationally recognised qualification shows that I am proficient in my trade skills enough to meet the grade to work in Australia.

A copy of my VETASSESS confirmation can be found HERE.

As well as this, I hold an NVQ Level 2 Demountable Partitions and Ceilings, and am fully health and safety certified, both here in the UK and in Australia, having a White Card, which certifies me under CPCCOHS1001A ‘Work safely in the construction industry’.

My Experience

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My regular duties include:

• Meeting with clients and architects to discuss contracts
• Planning and organising sub contractors
• Measuring and estimating contracts from architects’ drawings, then ordering required materials
• Carrying out carpentry and joinery works relating to contracts including fitting, door frames, windows, skirting, architraves, hanging doors, erecting conservatories, extensions, fencing and timber decking
• Completing shop fitting contracts to a tight schedule
• Invoicing clients and processing all relevant financial paperwork, including for VAT and tax purposes
• Employing necessary tradesmen and controlling payroll and ensuring that proper health and safety regulations are followed

I have a track record of repeat business from my clients, as evidenced by the long service I have provided to the following companies:

• Fairway Interiors 1995 to Present day
• City Office Interiors 2006 to present day
• Thermal Acoustics 2002 to 2010
• Fine Design and Build 2006 to present day
• Rhino Interiors 2008 to present day
• Wagstaffs Office Fit-outs Ltd 2008 to present day

Some examples of the large companies at which my expertise has been requested:

Aston Martin, Cadburys, TK MAXX HQ, Next, Sainsbury's, SERCO, House of Fraser, Heathrow Airport, Jaguar/Land Rover Co, Tesco

My References

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These are just a few of the nice things the people I have worked for have to say about me:

“…an honest, extremely likeable individual and frankly has achieved anything we have asked him to do with ease, his skill set seems to have no boundary.”

A R Keatinge, MD, Excel Labels Ltd Read more >

“…Ray has proved a very reliable and trustworthy member of our team and I would be more than happy to recommend him to any company.”

Chris Ryan, Senior Contract Manager, Fairway Interiors Read more >

“…We have always found his work to be of the highest standard.”

N M O'Connor, Director, Fine Design & Build Ltd Read more >

“…Ray has been a valued, reliable and skilled contractor to us.”

Darius Haughton, Contracts Manager, Rhino Interior Group Read more >

“…It is Ray's eye for detail and the willingness to ‘go the extra mile’ to ensure a job is completed to the clients' satisfaction that impresses me so much.”

Andrew Dunkley, Regional Director, Wagstaff Interiors Group Read more >

Outside work

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I’m a positive person and enjoy a laugh and a get together with friends, i’m the kind of person who would give my last pound (dollar!) to a stranger in need and i’m not the sort to turn a blind eye to a bad situation, i’m a people person and an all round good egg!

I pride myself on helping others and love bringing friends together and socialising in and out doors. I love camping with my family whatever the weather and enjoy travelling the country exploring new places to stay and finding some real hidden gems.

I enjoy palying Rugby for a local club or watching a game at Twickenham. The passion and pride of the game makes the bruised ribs and cuts all worthwhile! I am also a keen musician and enjoy playing Bass guitar and Drums, playing on stage many a time - something i regularly like to practice in my spare time. Back in the day I had convinced myself and others around me that I was becoming the next Wham (sweeping hair and naff clothes included!).

Fitness to me is of the utmost importance, a healthy body is a healthy mind and it also keeps me young!!

I own a Nissan Patrol with BF Goodrich tyres and enjoy taking it out in the snow or helping others in sticky situations!