Richard Reynolds, ex-senior IT professional, joined Auditel in September 2010. He recalls: “I had been an employee for almost 30 years. Several family members were self-employed. Following redundancy, I decided it was time for me to move in the same direction. Actually, I had been considering this step for several years, but not found the “good idea” that would give me the income, flexibility, freedom and control for the remainder of my career.”

Richard Reynolds, ex-senior IT professional, joined Auditel in September 2010. He recalls: “I had been an employee for almost 30 years. Several family members were self-employed. Following redundancy, I decided it was time for me to move in the same direction. Actually, I had been considering this step for several years, but not found the “good idea” that would give me the income, flexibility, freedom and control for the remainder of my career.”

Richard initially looked at businesses for sale but quickly found franchising as an alternative. He identified a shortlist of franchisors who had interesting propositions, visiting several to understand their business models, strategy and ethos. Richard continues: “ Beyond a compelling business model, the clear factor that helped me to choose Auditel, is the organisation’s professional and supportive ethos. I found like-minded people who I can happily work with for many years, earning potential, and the support of an established franchisor to fulfil my self-employment ambition. I decided to ‘bite the bullet’ and go for it”!

Richard was able to fund his new franchise with a mixture of business loan, redundancy payment and savings. Auditel is recognised as a successful franchise by all the major banks. Should a loan be required, they are able to introduce a potential franchisee to the most appropriate branch.

The Auditel support for new franchisees includes an initial 10-day client acquisition and technical training course at the Winchester head office. Further assistance is ongoing through workshops, local, regional and national meetings, business reviews and continuing advice.

Richard says: “I found the training excellent in terms of pace and variety. The essential sales message and information were well covered with a good reminder of things learnt in the past. It was all very motivating.”

Richard says that Auditel has provided him with plenty of advice and guidance and that he is now in ‘client acquisition mode’. He has delivered several projects for his accountant, finding savings of 40%. These have included fixed line communications, mobile phones, merchant cards, business rates and PI insurance.

Asked about his plans for the future, Richard says: “I have a lot of confidence in the tools and methods provided by Auditel to enable successful projects. Perhaps the most valuable resource is the combination of skills and experience of the 180 other franchisees in the network. I intend to make my business successful, generating a good six-figure income and take control of my career through to retirement!”