Stephen Sowerby’s Auditel Story

Stephen Sowerby joined the Auditel Cost Management Franchise in March 2011. Early in his career, Stephen had qualified as a Chartered Accountant and achieved a First Class Honours degree from Manchester University in Management Studies. He spent almost 5 years with KPMG, working in the Risk Advisory Services department, where he held a client-facing role, with both external audit and advisory responsibilities.

Stephen recalls:” I had always wanted to have my own business. I eventually considered franchising and found the Auditel Cost Management Franchise through the British Franchise Association (bfa). I chose Auditel because it presented me with the opportunity to start up on my own, while having the support of a proven format that had survived for over 18 years. I could apply the skills in which I am experienced and qualified and still be free to run my own business.”

Stephen confirms that the initial training is of very high quality, but it is the on-going contribution of the network which is most valuable to him. Their members and the trainers are always more than happy to assist in any way they can, especially during the start-up phase. The support on offer is second to none in helping to establish and grow your business.

Each year at Auditel’s National Conference, a number of awards are made, celebrating success in the field by members of the Affiliate network. In 2014, to crown Stephen’s early achievements, he was honoured with the coveted Franchisee of the Year Award. This was reward for his efforts and a platform to build upon.

Stephen says: “I was tremendously proud and delighted to have received this award. As I said after my initial training, the ongoing support on offer from the network is second to none in helping you to establish and grow your business. This coupled with my own skills and experience has provided me with a first-class business opportunity which continues to grow.”

He adds: “Head Office also provide advice on commercial matters and on many occasions the Directors at Auditel have given up their time to help me to create some of the more complex business relationships that I have come across.”

Stephen says: “My training as a Chartered Accountant and the experience of my previous roles, gave me specific skills and knowledge. Since becoming an Auditel Consultant, I have used these to help clients identify where they might be overspending. I then project manage the process needed to get those essential business costs under control.”

Stephen has completed projects on behalf of clients in a wide variety of areas, including office supplies, telecommunications, water, energy, solar PV and research & development tax credits. He says: “I have worked with companies in many business sectors – travel, commercial landlords, finance, engineering and manufacturing and saved my clients hundreds of thousands of pounds.”

Stephen’s business is proving to be very successful. “I now have an established client base where relationships are maturing and initial projects have been completed. Being highly recommended by one client to another is a great compliment; these referrals also help to grow my business at an encouraging rate. I have decided to renew my franchise agreement for a further five years.”