Gill enjoying flexibility an freedom with Auditel
Security, flexibility and freedom from office politics
Gillian Gibbon is one of a number of women who have already joined the Auditel franchise network. She reveals: “Security, more flexible working conditions and freedom from office politics was the driving force when I left my high-paid job in telecoms five years ago.”
Gillian’s career had been fraught with redundancies followed by ‘fresh’ starts that left her feeling insecure. At 46, married with two young children, travelling with her family, and preparing for their future education and her retirement became her priority. “I spent about six months investigating the idea of setting up on my own. I was worried about failing in a business that wasn’t proven, so franchising was the safer option for me.”
An ideal opportunity
With her skill set focused on developing client relationships and project management, Gillian felt that an Auditel cost and purchase management consultancy franchise was her ideal opportunity: “Auditel were very professional from day one. They provided invaluable training and support in the start up phase, and still do, even now when I have an established successful business. Franchising is not an easy ticket to being self-employed. You still have to work hard, but it’s a great feeling when clients are happy. On a personal front I’m in control and no-one can take my business away from me.”
Keeping business and home life separate
Working from a purpose-built home-office and paying for childcare has enabled Gillian to keep business and home life separate. “I enjoy the flexibility to take time off when I need and holidays when convenient for me. In the future I want to be able to take eight weeks’ holiday from the business.”
Support from fellow-franchisees
Gillian says the greatest advantage of being part of this franchise is the support she receives from other Auditel franchisees. “We work together on client projects bringing specialist skills to the mix.” Gillian for instance has experience in telecoms and financial services, and particular skills managing major client projects. However, she admits that she’s not so good at number crunching and building complex financial models, so prefers to outsource to other franchisees.
“Currently I have around fifty active clients. I can work by myself on small projects, but I share larger ones with other franchisees. This is a varied business that can be of benefit to most organisations. I have clients from manufacturing, charity, retail, import/export and so on.”
Enjoying success
Gillian’s commitment and the ability always to aim higher have contributed to her success. She reports: “I set out wanting to build a big income so I knew that it would be hard work. After three years I had just about replaced my salary. Now I’m really enjoying the business.”
In the first ten months of last year, Gillian signed over £1 million of new expenditure under audit. Much of this is new business from existing clients who recognise how Gillian's services have contributed to their own success. Typically Auditel consultants develop stable relationships with their clients becoming integral members of their management teams for a number of years.
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