Expense Reduction Analysts (ERA) have joined forces with specialist sales performance firm SBR Consulting (SBR) to roll out an advanced sales training programme to boost franchise partner revenue. The move follows work by the ‘New Business Group’, formed of ERA’s leading franchise partners, to identify opportunities to improve the network.

Designed to improve both sales conversion and increase the value of the business signed, the new initiative starts with a pilot course of seven partners beginning in mid-April. Once the approach has been successfully road tested and refined for the ERA working environment, the bespoke training will be available to all franchise partners at heavily discounted rates from Autumn 2014.

The course is creating a buzz across the ERA network, and such is the demand for ‘advanced sales training’ there is a waiting list of franchise owners who want to take advantage. Paul Gannon, one of the pilot group members commented after the first session “the training is an experience beyond my expectations and is a great investment by Group Office.”

The programme runs over nine months with the objectives of speeding up the client acquisition cycle, increasing the range of each sale and enhancing overall sales conversion, ultimately increasing franchise partner revenue. Participants can expect face-to-face workshops, interactive webinars and conference calls. “It is the detail around the common sense that makes the difference to the business.” added Tracy Follows, who is also on the pilot course.

“We’ve invested heavily in this new initiative in response to demand for higher level sales training to maximise ROI for franchise partners,” says ERA Head of Operations Paul Lewis. “This partnership with SBR means we can support franchise partners in improving their sales ability.”

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on their renowned ‘high performance sales habits’ methodology, SBR will both design and deliver the course. “This is a very exciting project that proves we’re listening to the needs of our franchise owners,” says Paul Lewis. “In real terms this initiative represents a total investment of over £60K in advanced sales training, and underlines our determination to make ERA the network of choice for discerning franchisees.”