After extensive research into the franchise sector and taking his previous financial experience into consideration, accountant Lee Freeman (pictured) decided that the cost management company Auditel was the right franchise for him.
In the past Freeman, who became a qualified chartered accountant with Grant Thornton in 1992, has taken on senior financial roles with information specialists Informa and an investment group based in Luxembourgh. It was when Freeman returned from Luxembourgh, as the recession was beginning, that he started to consider the option of becoming his own boss, he said: "Back in the UK, looking for a senior role, I became increasingly frustrated at the lack of opportunities. Not wanting to start from scratch in the recession, I looked at both franchising and buying an existing business. I concluded that franchising gave the benefit of running my own business while having the support of a network."
After discovering Auditel at an exhibition, Freeman followed up his interest with several meetings and quickly recognised that the cost and purchase management franchise ticked all the right boxes. "The instruction I received from Auditel has been first rate, from the client acquisition training through to the technical side. Ongoing support is always available from Auditel's head office team and fellow franchise owners. Auditel's systems have proved invaluable in starting a business from scratch. They allow me to concentrate on finding clients, secure in the knowledge that you can meet their needs," said Freeman.
Since joining Auditel in March 2010 Freeman has already secured clients and is feeling positive about the development of his franchise, he said: "I can say this has been the most enjoyable three months I have spent in any working environment. Signing my first client and completing a successful project has certainly given the business some early impetus.
"In the next year or so, I would like my wife to join the business, using her sales background, to drive the business forward even further. I see myself in this for the long term, renewing my agreement at least once if not twice before winding down to retirement and hopefully handing the business over to a family member."
Published: 19 August 2010
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