Auditel has recently trained a new intake of franchise owners who are now preparing to launch their cost and purchase management businesses.
Among the new intakes is husband and wife team, Andrew Smith and Margaret Wilken, who are from South London. Prior to joining Auditel, Smith, a trained accountant, spent 30 years working in IT, specialising in design, implementation and commissioning of accounting and trading systems. Smith brings a well-honed set of project management and analytical skills to the business of cost management.
Smith said: “Margaret undertook the initial investigation of franchises and cost management and compared Auditel with some of their competitors. I worked with Margaret to evaluate her selection and Auditel offered the most credible and value for money option.”
Despite liking the opportunity Auditel presented Smith was undecided about spending a significant amount of money and pursue this venture. “However, when Margaret went through all the opportunities available to us, it seemed that Auditel was a clear winner. I have not regretted coming to that conclusion.”
Wilken is a fully qualified Chartered Accountant, and has held Financial Controller positions in a variety of SME businesses, including publishing, recruitment, hospitality and leisure. She said: “I chose Auditel because the team presented themselves as being the most professional and they were in line with my own values. I also weighted up how I wanted an organisation to promote me and I was truly impressed by its support, training and marketing approach. Speaking to some of its Affiliates, I was really inspired by how much they enjoyed their work.”
Wilken added that her background has equipped her with a wealth of commercial knowledge, experience of strategic business development and implementation of financial controls. She said: “I am well placed to understand the pressures Senior Management face when it comes to managing costs. My skill set and my Auditel expertise mean I can be of immense value to my clients.”
Edward Brewer, Franchise Development Director at Auditel, said: “We know that there are a large number of management professionals out there who are considering a career change. Here at Auditel, they can find over 200 like-minded colleagues from a fascinating array of backgrounds and expertise to work with. As the latest bfa/NatWest Franchise Survey stated ‘It seems that franchising is a particularly good option as an alternative to ‘going it alone’ and trying to set up a new enterprise in a difficult and competitive climate’. Our free Discovery Seminars have proven very useful to anyone interested in hearing more about franchising and meeting our team.”
Published: 12 September 2012
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