“I work normal hours but it fits in with my life rather than my life fitting in around work.”
Having just turned 50 and got to a stage in his career as a company director, Derek Hodd needed to do something new. “I didn’t want to get work an employee and the advantage of a franchise is that I could try something totally different, something I’d never done before & have the support of a proven business model. 
Derek Hodd was first attracted to ERA by the opportunity to run his business in a white collar, B2B environment. He says "I didn’t have a unique idea or a hobby that I wanted to turn into a job, like some people do, but I did have experience of managing a business. The good thing about a franchise is that they have been through it all before so there are relatively few surprises and answers to most questions.”
"I believe the point of a franchise is not to have to reinvent the wheel but to drive it and have the benefit of utilising best practice from within the fellow franchisee network."
There is a huge amount of support from the franchisee network, which includes regular regional meetings, one of which Derek chairs. "The franchisor has a number of subgroups which focus on new idea’s, improvements, updates and specific projects, to benefit and develop the organisation. As the Chairman of the Supplier sub-group, I have hands on experience innovating new ideas & implementing them to help the franchisee/supplier relationship grow & improve."
In the 8 years I have been with ERA, my best saving has been of 90% which I’m quite proud of, but it’s not all about making the most savings. I had one client where the savings were very small but I overviewed and restructured their cash collection, cash handling & security programme. I was recently brought into a colleague’s very large retail client to advise and negotiate on a specific project, which by the project end had resulted in me being a trusted advisor to the FD, which was very pleasing. It’s these projects that give me job satisfaction - as well as being able to, in effect, spend other people’s money wisely.
When I received the Consultant of the Year Award I was surprised and, at the same time, very proud of myself. Not only does it reflect success in my own business, it is a tangible recognition from head office for the input & contribution I have made to the direction and growth of the group.
Since joining ERA, I have had the opportunity to mix business & pleasure. I have bought a home in Spain which I go to once a month & from there work at a more leisurely pace. I keep the work to ‘bite size pieces’ so, if there’s an hour spare before I’m going out to dinner, then I sit down at my ‘Spanish desk’.
When in England I work more normal hours, but it still fits in with my life rather than my life fitting in around work. If I fancy going to the gym in the morning, having my Friday’s in the Isle of Wight at the Yacht club, then I just make up the time at another point. It’s completely flexible & without judgment from anyone else. With the money I earn, the hours I work & the time I take off, I regard myself as unemployable," Derek continues. "It’s given me a better life/work balance than I ever imagined.
I do believe in ERA & the opportunity for a franchisee, to have an influence on the direction of the business & the quality of the business! One of the best characteristics about ERA is the ability to be so involved. To be part of a corporation on one hand, whilst also running your own business on the other. "
