Planning to grow his business franchise, Steve Ray found himself a business partner.

Steve’s partner for the past year, Claire Power-Browne, had just spent four years as the overseas programme manager for a charity, with wide-ranging responsibilities.

“Every day was different and during that time I gained a diverse skill set,” she says. “So if you need a goat milking, I’m your woman!”

Salisbury-based Steve joined Auditel in 2007 and has enjoyed good progress since then, obtaining clients in various industry sectors including leisure, education, charity and manufacturing.

FS Blog: Why did you decide to go down the franchise route?

Steve Ray: I chose franchising because I wanted to make the transition into running my own business as smooth as possible. This provided immediate access to a proven business model and an industry knowledge base.
 
Some franchisors impressed me more than others, but Auditel impressed me most of all. The enthusiasm to build and support their network was hugely influential in my choice.
 
FS Blog: Tell me about the start-up process…

Steve: The training and support from Auditel is superb, and has just the right balance. There is as much as you need or want, without it being forced upon you. It is evident that great effort is given to keeping everything updated and fresh.

FS Blog: Has it been challenging?

Steve: The challenges encountered so far are many and varied. However, they have all been made easier to overcome by tapping into the support offered by head office and my fellow franchisees.

FS Blog: Explain your plans for the future…

Steve: I plan to grow the business in various industries to prevent reliance on any one sector or client profile, and develop strong, professional and friendly relationships.

Claire also talks to FS about her experience being a business partner of an Auditel franchise.

FS Blog: What do you like about Auditel?

Claire Power-Browne: I particularly liked the values of Auditel and the choices it offered me. The initial start-up programs were great. I left feeling confident that I could actually deliver what I had been taught.

FS Blog: Any difficulties?

Claire: There are inevitably times when you think ‘I can’t do this’, but the support system in place is excellent. There is always someone who is willing, and able, to help.

Obviously, I have been incredibly fortunate to enter into partnership with Steve who was already running a successful franchise. His help and advice has been invaluable to me in progressing some of the projects undertaken and in how to manage clients. I have also benefited from many other affiliates, who have generously shared their experience.

FS Blog: Tell me more about your business partnership with Steve…

Claire: Steve and I work separately. Geographically there are 150 miles between us, so we have had to ensure that our CRM systems were able to synchronise remotely, and that we make time to discuss clients.

Initially progress was slow, but things are now really starting to take shape. It’s really motivating to see that the Auditel model does work and to realise that I can do this! The professional development training I have received has been fantastic and has really allowed me to ‘skill up’ with a view to growing and developing the business.

FS Blog: What are your future plans?

Claire: I aim to sign further 12-15 clients in the next 12 months, and use my previous experiences to bring greater benefit to clients, particularly charity or third sector organisations. I also intend to carry on enjoying what I do and who I work with.