“I’m now feeling the benefits of the residual income model, with a base of predictable earnings right through to 2017.”

As a former supply chain specialist for a major cable supplier covering Europe and the Middle East, Iain Clements brought a wealth of experience to the table when he joined Expense Reduction Analysts (ERA) in 2012. Iain had long harboured a desire to run his own business, and he was attracted to ERA for its proven business model, established brand and trusted professional network – all of which mitigated the risk of starting in business for himself.

“What I enjoy about the ERA model is it allows me to work in the way that best suits me,” says Iain. “I have developed good relationships with other franchise partners and working with them to deliver on projects has proved to be one of my strengths.”

With a UK and global client base of firms in the £8 to £100-million turnover range, Iain has attracted most of his business from the North of England and North Midlands. His focus over the last two years has been evolving his skills to develop new client specialisms, such as an expertise in packaging systems.

Iain’s commitment and hard work is really starting to pay off, despite juggling many different balls at once like many self-employed professionals. “I have a busy family life with my supportive wife and primary school aged children,” says Iain, “so I work from a small local office to separate work from home life. I still find myself working on the laptop in the evening, but I now choose to do it for the benefit of my own business, rather than having to do it.”

As Iain’s business is becoming established, he’s beginning to plan ahead more. “I’m now feeling the benefits of the residual income model, with a base of predictable earnings right through to 2017,” he says. “I would like to employ an administrator to free up my time to expand the business even further, and can clearly see year-on-year growth potential which will hopefully allow the whole family to move to a bigger house in the near future.”