Burnley-based David Gray joined the Auditel Cost and Purchase Management Franchise in 2008. Prior to becoming a franchisee, he spent 21 years in the Royal Air Force as an aircrew linguist, flying on board the Nimrod R1 reconnaissance aircraft in support of many operations, mainly in the Balkans and Middle East theatres.

David Gray

Having left the RAF and seeking a new career, David recalls: “Without doubt I could not have started my own business independently. Whilst the military did endow me with many good qualities and attributes, business acumen was not one of them. I made the decision early to go self employed and for me franchising was the only sensible option.”

He visited the British Franchise Exhibition at G-MEX in Manchester in 2007. “I found this exhibition very helpful. Having a full range of franchises under one roof was extremely beneficial. I came across Auditel and was immediately impressed with their business model and how well it suited the current economic situation.

“Since joining Auditel, I have found my experience to be challenging and hard work, but ultimately very rewarding. While a franchise model offers some sort of proven framework for business, there are no shortcuts to success.

“I know this is an oft repeated cliché but it is true. Coming from a military background, where you are pretty much told what to do and where to go most of the time, transforming to self-employment where nobody is telling you what to do, can come as a bit of a shock to the system!

“However, the majority of ex-military personnel should have the right qualities for franchising, namely honesty, integrity, motivation and a ‘can do’ attitude. Back this up with the right franchise for you, quality training and systems and you could find a very rewarding career as your own boss.”

He confirms that Auditel’s head office back-up is very good and only a phone call away. In the early stages, there are regular reviews to help keep your vision on track. The tools and systems that help to run the business are constantly being updated to keep the brand competitive.

The network of Auditel Affiliates is also a great support tool. Everyone is willing to help each other with advice or practical knowledge whenever possible.

David adds: “I am approaching the end of my fourth year. I have enjoyed the challenges and the rewards of self employment and cannot imagine going back to work for anyone else now. I have no regrets and really enjoy running my Auditel business. With experience comes confidence. Things have improved year on year and I am set for my best year yet in 2012!”

Established in 1994, Auditel is the UK’s largest and fastest-growing cost and purchase management franchise opportunity with a network of over 200 highly-skilled specialists. Auditel manages a broad range of business expenditure which includes costs as diverse as communications, energy, water, office supplies, freight, contract cleaning, merchant cards and general waste. Their client base of over 3,400 in the UK ranges from small businesses to global brands such as Pizza Express, YMCA and Oxford University.