There was considerable devastation in Limerick, following the announcement in 1999 that the Krups-Moulinex factory was to close after over thirty years in the City. Providing over 700 jobs and contributing approximately €20m per annum into the local economy, the impact of the closure was severe. It was widely acknowledged that an organisation of that size was going to be very difficult to replace. In response to this employment crisis, the Limerick Enterprise Development Partnership (LEDP) was established, initiated by local business personalities.

Within a year, the Limerick Enterprise Development Partnership had purchased the facility and

committed itself to establishing a Development Park on the site. The objective of the Park was to provide training, education and community development. Considerable progress has been made in achieving these objectives thanks to the dedication, commitment and co-operation of all involved.

During its 14 years of operation, LEDP has achieved significant results, bringing investment and jobs into this part of the city, creating an education and training infrastructure and developing local services.

Based in County Cork, Seán Harnett joined Auditel’s growing Irish Cost Management Franchise Consultancy network last year. Seán was formerly a B2B Sales Account Manager, with a focus on manufacturing companies in the Medical, Bio Pharmaceutical, Engineering and Electronic Industries.

Seán recalls: “I wanted to start my own business, but I didn’t have the knowledge and the skill set to go it alone, but that’s exactly what Auditel gives you. It’s a very successful organisation, with a great support network. Even though I was starting my own business, I felt that I was not alone. It’s my business, it’s my responsibility, but if I need help, there is always someone at the end of the phone or an email to come to me or give me guidance.”

He says that his previous experience will enable him to offer clients a valuable service. “It gave me a broad range of Sales Management know-how and an in-depth knowledge of how to work with large Multi-Nationals and SMEs. I have a detailed understanding of successfully delivering and implementing solutions to ensure the benefits are felt within the whole organisation.”

LEDP Financial Controller, Cathal Ryan, engaged Seán to examine their expenditure on Gas and Electricity. He says: “Thanks to Auditel, we have successfully identified and implemented significantly reduced rates and tariffs, as well as reductions in our capacity charges. The savings he has found have been welcome. But we also appreciate that he provides us with independent, impartial advice to ensure that we are not overpaying for our essential services.

“Auditel are able to deal with suppliers on our behalf and have undertaken an energy management service in order to ensure that we are not only benefitting from the best procurement rates and tariffs, but we are also being assisted to make us more efficient, thus boosting our financial performance and reducing our carbon footprint.

“The relationship with Auditel has been beneficial to the LEDP. We would have no hesitation in recommending their services to other businesses and organisations.”

Seán adds: “Many businesses lack the time, resources and analytical tools to understand fully how their bills are calculated. If your business is one of them, why not book an Auditel Health Check to find out how much time and money your business could save? Auditel’s flexible fee structure gives clients’ choice and the ability to manage cost and strategy for the long term.

“It’s going to be a long, cold winter ahead so first let’s try and reduce your energy costs and help to stop bills soaring!”