Consultancy franchisor

BusinessesForSale: What do prospective Auditel franchisees get for their money?

Laurence Knott: We offer new franchisees a number of support programmes, including a one-year, fast-track training development programme and a personal and professional development programme.

These courses give our franchisees the opportunity to build a business over and above two people. New franchisees can also contact Auditel’s trainers, mentors and business coaches for any further support they may need.

Also included in the price is a fully configured wireless notebook PC, installed with the latest Microsoft office suite, CRM package, accounts software and Auditel’s bespoke database software and technical tools.

Auditel provides franchisees with their own personal website, client acquisition and management manuals, sales support and accompanied client visits. Ongoing seminars, workshops and local meetings are also set in place to maintain the highest standards.

Franchisees will also gain access to our partnership programme and our unique Auditel Business Management System (ABMS), with the opportunity to work in project teams and joint ventures. Auditel also holds annual supplier exhibitions and a yearly national conference, to which all franchisees are invited.

High earners enjoy an income of over £200,000

BFS: So, how much can an Auditel franchisee expect to make?

LK: High earners enjoy an income of over £200,000. However, we build a personal business plan together with each new franchisee to incorporate their required level of earnings.

BFS: What sets Auditel apart as a B2B franchise opportunity? Why is this franchise good value?

LK: Over the years, Auditel has achieved a recognisable and respected brand in the field of cost and purchase management, which has enabled franchisees to develop their individual businesses.

This success has been achieved through constant efforts to leverage the brand in public and private sectors through sponsorships, memberships, awards and exceptional savings for our clients.

Auditel is also a pioneer of ethical and sustainable cost management, which sets us apart from those firms that produce immediate results, but where benefits are often short-lived and may be ultimately damaging to a company.

Since 2005 the number of franchisees has grown by 175% and between January 2009 and December 2011 our client base grew by 66%. We have over 200 franchisees across the UK at present, with plans to grow that number to 250. Over 90% of franchisees renew their franchise agreements after five and 10 years.

I believe this franchise is good value due to the unrivalled levels of training and network support provided by the UK's largest and most experienced team. And we believe we possess the most extensive knowledge bank and state-of-the-art marketing activities in our industry.

As a result of this ongoing investment, we have created an environment which fosters trust and lays the foundations for each of our franchisees to succeed.

BFS: What is the secret of Auditel’s success?

LK: A commitment to excellence and trust. I believe our values are simple; treat colleagues with respect and share your knowledge, offer simple solutions, be a continual learner, seek the opportunity in every situation and always strive to make a positive difference. Our company also aims to minimise any negative impact on the environment.

BFS: How competitive is the consultancy industry?

LK: Management consultancy is a wide field. It covers specialist firms, which either deal with business coaching, sales and marketing techniques or in other areas.

There are companies like KPMG and similar smaller firms whose activities range from developing management and supervisory skills to defining the company’s mission and improving work performance.

However, cost and purchase management specialists are rare. Some merely act as brokers for one supplier or a number, and usually cover few overhead expenses. They may simply make a recommendation and leave their client to make the necessary changes.

Auditel is one of the very few independent specialists in this field. We include over 80 expenses in our portfolio. We also offer an Auditel Business Health Check, which provides an in-depth analysis of business expenditures. This can be followed by our performance-driven contingency fee model, which is totally self-funding.

These aspects have given Auditel pre-eminence in the field of cost and purchase management.

BFS: Tell me more about the support you give to franchisees?

LK: We provide pre-course assignments, advice on setting up a business, a five-day Business Start-Up course and a five-day Technical Course.

We also conduct business reviews at eight weeks, seven months, 12 months and 24 months, and accompanied prospect meetings in a franchisee’s start-up phase. Regional meetings are held across the UK each quarter, along with bi-monthly local meetings.

We also hold further energy, telecoms, tendering tools, sales and marketing workshops, a Corporate Client Acquisition Course and a two-day Strategic Workshop.

BFS: Do franchise resales become available very often?

LK: Rarely. In most cases another franchisee will take over their business.

BFS: What do you look for in a franchisee?

LK: Candidates need strong communication skills, the ability to deal with senior business owners and managers. Personality-wise, they must also have an inquisitive mind and determination to succeed.

Our franchisees are usually senior management professionals who have come from careers in various sectors including manufacturing, public sector, finance and banking, IT, insurance and marketing.

BFS: How many franchisees do you currently have across the UK and how do you plan to grow the company further?

LK: We have over 200 franchisees across the UK at present with plans to grow that number to 250.

BFS: How has your business franchise model evolved, and what are the core principles that remain?

LK: Auditel was set up in 1994 and it originally helped businesses find their way through the seemingly impenetrable jungle of tariffs following deregulation of the utilities markets.

Since then, we have extended our services to cover the full spectrum of business expenditures, supported by a vast knowledge bank and the experience of over 200 cost and purchase management specialists.

Although the scope of the business has grown considerably, our core principles and brand remain the same and we continue to be a wholly sustainable, ethical cost and purchase management business.