Happiness is running your own business
People running their own businesses are almost twice as happy with their working life than those who are employed, according to a recent survey by the British Franchise Association.
Two concerns of people considering selfemployment are the financial investment and the risk of failure. But Dan Archer, head of marketing at the bfa, reveals it is here the role of franchising plays a vital part in boosting confidence. “Over 90 per cent of franchisees are profitable,” he says. “As a result of this success rate, banks will lend up to 70 per cent of the total capital requirements.”
If your mind is now at rest, what would help you make your ideal choice of the available franchise options? Let’s assume you are considering a business and professional service. What would you like to know before seeking a meeting with the franchisor or, maybe, enquiring for a prospectus?
Control
Auditel’s managing director Chris Allison comments: “Many people approach us seeking a better work-life balance, more control over their future and even just to avoid the commute. Some say they are still trying to realise their true potential after many years of professional employment. “I explain that Auditel offers a real opportunity to balance a career and a business around your lifestyle with professional achievement, financial success, security and continuing self-development. Also, you’re never alone in this business. There is the constant support and fellowship from my colleagues and the franchisee network.”
What is Auditel and what does the company do? 
Business Development Manager Edward Brewer explains: “Auditel is the leading whitecollar, home-based professional consultancy franchise. We specialise in the cost and purchase of essential services, including communications, utilities, facilities management - and most important today - environmental management, green issues and ethical purchasing. “Billions of pounds are frittered away each year in unnecessary expenditure, yet few companies find a way to harness this waste and turn it into valuable profit. Until now, that is.”
He continues: “Auditel’s unique outsourced specialist service and Total Cost of Purchase business model can change all that. Cost management is a simple and effective way to boost profit without the need to generate more business. Yet it’s overlooked in most companies, especially in a good economic climate, because it can be difficult and time-consuming to put in place. But slashing pounds off bills adds pounds to profit. It’s that simple."
"The National Motorcycle Museum saved well over £50,000 on their energy and telephony charges after they enlisted our help. And if you think it’s only big national companies that can benefit, think again. Even the smallest businesses can make significant changes that will dramatically increase profits.”
What makes Auditel so different?
Chris Allison sums up: “We have a proven and successful business model affirmed by full membership of the bfa and all the major banks. What makes us different? Well, for a start we don’t limit franchisees to any one territory. Our people can market anywhere in the UK - and the market place is huge and still relatively untapped. Again, with many franchises there is a constant struggle to obtain repeat business. But our franchisees only need a small number of clients for whom they become trusted advisers in the long-term.
For example, David Lowe has been working with Pizza Express for over 11 years and saved them nearly £3 million - and recently invoiced his millionth pound of sales. Another major advantage is the amount of sales and marketing support. We know many newcomers are concerned about selling. Our team provides expert and ongoing help for new franchisees to obtain clients - and even attend first meetings to get them off to a good start.To make selling easier, we operate on a no-win, no-fee price structure."
Results?
In his second year, Chris Gordon achieved earnings of £80,000 and purchased his dream Elizabethan farmhouse. Uniquely, you can operate as a sole practitioner or take on a partner and actually build up to a business with five colleagues. John Heathcock, who took this route, now has annual sales of £375,000. This will eventually build you a valuable equity, which may be released when you wish to move on. Last but not least, because you will typically receive 50 per cent of any savings over a fixed period of time, you can easily calculate your minimum income for two or three years ahead, which on a low-overhead home-based business equates to a very useful gross profit margin.
'Mining' for Savings
Mining for wealth hidden in rocks demands the specialist knowledge and skill of a geologist. But what kind of professional is needed to dig deeply into the cost structure of business to mine the savings invisible to all but the expert? 
Most organisations know that they could save money on services such as communications, energy, finance and facilities management, but the vast and ever-changing range of options available means that they don’t know where to start digging. Auditel, a leading specialist in the cost and purchase of essential business services, with over a hundred such experts in this field, has helped thousands of organisations discover hidden treasures. What is the company’s secret?
Four steps to success
Auditel Affiliate William Ball explains: “Auditel have developed a holistic and unique approach to the procurement of these essential costs. Our Total Cost of Purchase business 
model has been designed to realise untapped profitability by controlling core overheads. "
“There are four basic steps in our approach to build an understanding of a firm’s cost structure. Firstly, we assess these essential costs through a comprehensive, in-depth analysis of their current expenditure. Then we analyse the data to determine where savings may be made and produce a detailed report. Next we take full responsibility for managing relationships with suppliers and turning those theoretical savings into a reality. Finally, we monitor the actual savings and ensure that our clients benefit from any new tariffs and services as they become available.”
Training the experts
So what do an ex-sales director, chartered engineer, telecoms manager, banker, army major and a film executive have in common? They’re all Auditel Affiliates who have been fully trained to become experts in this intellectually charged profession. Laura Harvey-Smith, General Manager for Training and Support, confirms: “We provide the best initial and ongoing training and support in the industry. In addition to a continuing personal development programme and sales and marketing tools, we hold carefully crafted workshops to train our people in all aspects of our Total Cost of Purchase model."
“All this support - plus informative training manuals and the online Auditel Information System - is reinforced by regular local and regional meetings and our national conference. Here Affiliates meet with their fellow practitioners, discuss ideas and stay up to date with any developments within the network.”
How do new Affiliates respond?
Pam Johnson enthuses: “I would like to congratulate Auditel on the content, construction and entertaining professional delivery of the course which I attended last week.” Garry Strudwick adds: “The training is excellent because the trainers are Auditel Affiliates. They convey very practical advice based on the real situations that new Affiliates will encounter.”
Opportunities abound 
Are you thinking that an outsourced cost management professional may not really be needed because most companies tend to operate regular cost reduction programmes? Things are not quite that simple. A recent survey of 50 finance directors showed that over two-thirds felt that further significant savings could be made in their business procurement. And, according to accountants KPMG: ‘Even though cost reduction targets are often as low as three per cent a year, a worrying nine out of 10 programmes fail to deliver and any gains turn out to be short term.’
Says William Ball: “That’s why so many of our clients stay with us for the long term. They recognise the value of a partner like Auditel, whose unparalleled and independent expertise can help their business become more cost-effective and stay that way. "
“Very often we work with clients in joint ventures. Some of our Affiliates prefer selling and others have experience in analysis or a particular discipline. This is a win-win situation for all parties.” Commercial Director Derek Chisnall adds: “In addition, clients are now benefiting from our strategic partnerships with leading firms, which provide a rich variety of income streams for our Affiliates. “Disciplines include business insurances and rates, finance, car fleet management, online HR applications, and significantly, waste management, ethical buying and green policies.”
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