Inspired by the people who gave her the opportunity in the workplace throughout her career, Nicola has the vision to ensure that Diligence Specialist Infrastructure Project Managers becomes a successful provider of professional management services, by guaranteeing the individuals providing services are not only top performers but are also motivated and valued personnel.
, Finalist in the Great British Entrepreneur Awards 2016 and Award Winner of the Kent Women In Business ‘Women in Construction’ 2017.
From my first full-time admin/reception job in 1994 through to present day project management, I really have achieved so much. Not just in Project Management and Health & Safety but also in practical terms and business skills.
A motivated, diligent consultant and Director, am proud to have been recognised in the Great British Entrepreneur Awards 2016, supported by NatWest as a Finalist. In March 2017, I was announced as the Winner of the 'Women In Construction' category and as a Finalist in the 'Women's Champion' categories of the Kent Women In Business (KWIB) Awards.
North Cray Scout Group, I am a Governor at Dartford Science & Technology College and am a Business Mentor to students at The Leigh Academy.
Challenges to spark interest – whether it is encouraging others in their achievements or setting my own, there has been no bigger challenge than setting up my own Company and employing others.
Having started my working life as an insurance clerk at 18, I have had many and varied jobs, including motorcycle courier, store detective and shop manager. I am very pleased to be able to support Nicola as her Personal Assistant and Operations Manager, as she builds her business and I look forward to travelling the road ahead with her. I can't wait to see where we are 5 years from now!
Qualifying as an Horologist (well-being in Greenwich clocks were pretty important!) I first helped with the family business in the same trade. My true mark on the professional world, was my role at Rochester Aviation Flying Club where I was able to develop from supervising the flight desk to Company Secretary. Then it was on to new pastures where I undertook payroll, bookkeeping, purchase ledger and credit control within accountants. I work part-time for Diligence and provide support to all the Team.
As a carer for my husband's Auntie, who is 99 years old and has dementia, I have recently been involved in the Dementia Clinical Commissioning Group in my community, an initiative established by the Government to report on how we can have a more dementia friendly society throughout the UK.
Coaching allows me to work with teams and individuals on their personal and professional goals. With a particular interest in small local businesses, I help develop business and growth plans, coach individuals in support of their aspirations and consult for social networking, business etiquette, and event management.
Diligence certainly prides itself on the many industry sectors our Project Managers have experience in, which means that connections in your area of business are bound to already exist. It is this experience that makes us a true multi-industry consultancy to enhance your Project Teams.
Most recently working in utilities and construction, we are on the lookout for exciting projects and new opportunities both locally and in the South East generally.
"Having worked with numerous business owners I can say without a doubt that Nicola has all the traits of hugely successful people. She couldn't hide her passion if she tried and her attention to detail is obvious in everything she does. Nicola is a perfectionist with an amazing personality; a truly inspirational leader!"
Business Innovation Director at Oxford Innovation
Business Growth | Tax Advice | Helping businesses grow profits, save time and keep more of their hard earned money
"I am pleased to recommend Nicola Coppen and her company, Diligence Specialist Infrastructure Project Manager
, following our business partnership over the last 5 or so years.
It was no surprise that the Water Utility Company now has Nicola as a consultant project manager as throughout her projects for us we received many compliments on her abilities and achievements, not least for her successful project completion.
Nicola demonstrates all that is associated with attention to detail – so even the company name shows the aspiration and promises ‘Diligence’ will deliver."
We are keen to make a contribution in our community, so from sponsored events to 'giving days' and from charity donations to supporting women in sport - all make up the Diligence Difference!
Diligence is proud sponsor of the Dartford FC Ladies Team. As our MD is the Kent Women in Business ‘Women in Construction’ Winner, an industry sector traditionally male orientated, our Ops Manager had the idea of helping to grow women’s sport. Lifelong football fans of Charlton Athletic, both Alison and Nicola decided their passion of the ‘beautiful game’ was to be the perfect choice for sponsorship.
Meeting Ellisha Duffield-Goodyear and Sean Scolding was the clinching point! The community feel and family club aspirations meant that Diligence can take part in many community initiatives as we grow the business, and as the Ladies Team profile grows.
To date, Diligence have also shown support for Dartford FC with their banner on the 3G Community Pitch and above the turnstiles but we are most excited that Ellisha picked the relevant branding for the Ladies Team Shirts!
