Another year, another “Black Monday”. Doom and gloom on the world’s stock markets have hit the headlines this week bringing every financial pundit out of the woodwork to warn us about the increasingly real prospect of an uncomfortable economic slow-down, if not a full-on recession. While it might – just – be possible to dismiss this as so much hot air and self-fulfilling panic among a handful of seven-figure bonus-junkies in the City, there is more, tangible, evidence that is harder to pooh-pooh. Marks and Spencer’s recent results were markedly lower than expected while other high street retailers had a similarly slow Christmas trading period as shoppers watched their pennies. At the same time, PriceWaterhouseCoopers’ 11^th annual survey of 1,100 global CEOs shows confidence among the movers and shakers at the top end of the western economy is shaky too. All in all, it looks as though belts will have to be tightened in 2008 as businesses look to cut costs to maintain profitability. As 55% of the UK CEOs questioned by PriceWaterhouseCoopers are already worried about rising energy costs, the pressure will be on to manage expenditure effectively and make good purchasing decisions. In other words, 2008 looks as though it’s going to be a year of opportunity for Auditel consultants who specialise in providing just this service to UK businesses.

If you’re researching the possibility of becoming your own boss in 2008, a trip to the British Franchise Exhibition being held at Manchester Central (formerly known as the G-Mex) on 25th and 26th January, could be very worthwhile.

BFA-accredited franchisors representing a range of investment opportunities will be at the show, which will give you a chance to meet the people behind all the websites and brochures. The Auditel team will be at stand R30, right in front of the main entrance, so if you want to take control of your work-life balance without compromising your earning potential, stop by to speak with one of our consultants and find out how Auditel can help you achieve your goal.

You can buy tickets to the exhibition on the day for £10 but we have some to give away free. If you’d like one or more of these tickets, contact us on 01962 863915.