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Working in the corporate world for nearly 25 years before joining Expense Reduction Analysts in 2002, Richard has enjoyed the flexibility the Expense Reduction Analysts franchise provides for him & his family with the assurance of the ever stronger brand.
He reveals, “I had worked in the corporate world for nearly 25 years and had a yearning to be self employed when it was clear that the business I was running (a subsidiary of Tate and Lyle) was due to be sold. In addition I had spent the last 13 of those 25 years working overseas as Managing Director and felt it would be very difficult to fit back into corporate life in the UK. Equally with no UK “network” I felt it would be difficult to find a decent job of an equivalent level.
I was thus drawn to the concept of franchising he continues, which has the obvious attraction of offering tried and tested systems. I wanted a “white collar”, business to business franchise. I had met someone working as an energy consultant but very much along Expense Reduction Analysts lines whilst I was overseas and I was attracted to the concept of contingency based consultancy.
My research of franchises repeatedly attracted me to ERA, as it seemed to offer opportunities where my past experience would be an asset. I did thorough due diligence probably over a period of more than a year. I was assisted by the Expense Reduction Analysts Group Office recruitment staff but never pressured. Ultimately Expense Reduction Analysts seemed to be the right “fit” for me.
I enjoy the flexibility of being self employed and at the same time being able to work with many people from different backgrounds but with similar attitudes fostered by the ethos. Expense Reduction Analysts offers the benefits of a “virtual corporation” whereby the franchise has many of the positive aspects of corporate life without all the negative facets. Regional meetings, annual conference, sub groups, joint ventures, all give opportunities to meet colleagues, but without any of the pressure of corporate politics which can be so divisive and draining.
There is a far greater sense of achievement when being self employed. You really do get out what you put in and you can arrange work to suit your personal routine. With two very active children I think it would be nearly impossible to have the life we live if we were in conventional employment. Both financially & personally Expense Reduction Analysts has exceeded any expectations we had. It is a tremendous advantage for my wife and I to work together in the business, as we can simply split the tasks and the work and equally each pursue our own interests outside work. It gives us the flexibility we need.
I am in my fifth year with Expense Reduction Analysts and the changes brought by Head Office are both positive and continuous. Improvements in technology, tools, marketing material, and training demonstrate a commitment to Associates and obviously to the continued success of the business. I believe that over the past three years the Expense Reduction Analysts brand has become stronger, largely due to the efforts of Head Office and particularly through the messages and training delivered at the annual conference.
It is rewarding to be able to deliver savings for clients but the bigger reward is to do it repeatedly on multiple categories for the same client, using the depth of skills and knowledge of the Expense Reduction Analysts associate network.” |
