A Secure Future with an Auditel Franchise

Argyll-based Ewan Hardy joined Auditel in June 2009 after being in the electronic security industry for over 23 years. He had held the positions of General Manager for ADT, Regional Director for Chubb and Regional Director for G4S. He wanted to invest in something where the risk was reduced because there was already a proven working model. Ewan says: I researched a number of franchise companies via the internet and sent away for information packs. The Auditel cost management package interested me the most. I felt it would allow me to use the business experience I had gained in my previous employment. It also presented the opportunity to earn good money with very little start up costs over a three to five year period.

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After carrying out due diligence on two companies within the same market place I opted for Auditel. I was impressed by the quality of people and the support they were going to provide. Fortunately I had some personal savings and used the small amount of redundancy money to cover my outgoings for the first 18 months.

On the training, Ewan reports: In the initial start up period, the courses provided were invaluable to making sure you hit the road running. The customer acquisition course provided the skill and confidence to start approaching prospects and the technical training, the basic expertise to provide accurate data to our clients. The support continues with regular reviews to help development in any areas that you may be finding difficult.

Like many new home-based franchisees, Ewan found that coming from a large organisation, with the company of other members of staff, compared to working from home with less people contact, has been challenging. He says: Not having a regular income and building a business can be stressful, but after seven months I have already signed seven clients and started to produce the first invoices for the work done. I have picked up my first referral business and attend a number of networking events that are developing long term relationships.

Ewan advises potential franchisees that they should take time with their due diligence to identify a business that is right for them. Do make sure you are comfortable with the people you are dealing with and dont be frightened to ask searching questions!

Asked about future plans, Ewan replies: I shall continue to build relationships with my existing clients to become their trusted adviser. I shall also look to add to my client base by proactively targeting clients with the correct profile.

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