West Yorkshire-based Phil Wilkes worked for over 20 years in the telecoms industry – most of that for BT and Cellnet (now O2).

He had a variety of marketing and strategy roles including the responsibility for launching O2’s first mobile package specifically aimed at business users (“Business First”). He also managed the international programme to support BT’s investments in mobile networks worldwide (“MobilityLeaders”).

Phil recalls: “I had always dreamed of running my own business. One year I attended The British Franchise Exhibition in Manchester – and the first stand on entering the room was Auditel! Naturally I looked at several different opportunities but kept coming back to Auditel and I became one of their franchisees in 2002. It was such a good fit with my previous experience and I found the people were easy to deal with, open and trustworthy – and here I am, eleven years later!”

The quality of training and support received from Auditel

Asked about the training, Phil says: “The training has changed a good deal over the many years that I have been involved. But even when I started, it was a good grounding in how to run a business and the specifics needed for cost management. Open to us all are regular additional courses to extend our knowledge and to keep us up to date. There are also local and regional meetings to gain from the experience of our peers. No wonder Auditel recently won an award for the quality of its ongoing support.”

Highlights of being an Auditel franchisee

“I remember a day early in my Auditel career when I was driving through the beautiful Yorkshire countryside. I was listening to some favourite music, going to see a brewery, and thinking “It doesn’t get much better than this!” I have worked with some fabulous businesses and people and it is very rewarding to save them money and improve their profits. I am also keen to work with charities. The money saved goes to such good causes. Another highlight was representing the North-East region on Auditel’s Franchise Advisory Council for 2 years.”

Progress in the marketplace so far

“I have had a wide variety of clients and I like it that way. Over the years I have saved well over £2m for my clients, mostly based in Yorkshire. I am also proud of the savings that I have made for several hospices. It makes a huge difference to the support provided for the terminally ill.”

Further plans for the future?

Phil renewed his franchise agreement in April 2012 for another 5 years. He says: “Last year, I achieved the highest turnover to date, despite (or maybe even because of) the economic downturn. I plan to build on this momentum, continuing to make superior savings for my Yorkshire clients.”

One of Phil’s largest savings has been for Yorkshire-based Multiflight, one of the UK’s finest private aviation companies. He says it is a great business to work with. Phil can be very proud not only of the savings but also the commendation of their Finance Director. “I would have no hesitation to recommend that Phil and his team could bring substantial savings to any company!”