David Wilshin, Auditel Partner Case Study
David Wilshin, from Portsmouth, joined Auditel back in January 2022. Having had a successful career in business development in the automotive sector, David was tired of working hard for someone else’s primary benefit, and felt ready to take the ‘leap of faith’ into self-employment.
The Drive to Become Self-Employed and Leave Behind the Comfort Zone of Employment
David recalls “I was comfortably employed, but not satisfied, so I felt I could use my skills and experience to do something that gave me more control in all areas. I wanted more time for my family, and so the flexibility for a home-based business was a key driver, but something that could enable me to match or exceed my financial objectives too. Auditel ticked all the boxes, and more, as the opportunity to learn and develop in new areas appealed too.“
He continues “I was in the process of exploring just as the business was transitioning into the Carbon Solutions aspects that you see in the Auditel services today. Its very much ‘front and centre’ now, but it was early days back then, so the training and support was evolving rapidly. I benefitted from new support features such as Rob Allison (Carbon Director) assisting me with early client meeting opportunities. Of course, with many more people have been through the induction process since, its been refined considerably.”
Every Business is Challenging in Year One
Reflecting on the start-up phase of his business David says “It did take me a little longer than I had hoped to get going. There was still a lot of covid issues and economic uncertainty about that didn’t help, and many organisations were unsure of what they needed to do in respect of their carbon solutions needs, but once I secured my first client, I never looked back! Talk about ‘London buses’ – having signed my first client, within a couple of months I had six! But it’s still very important to plan for a cautious first year.”
This is guidance that’s instilled in everybody during the exploration process, as there as so many ‘unknowns’ that can impact on client acquisition, project scope and timeframe, but Auditel Partners often find that once they have the first two or three clients on board, things can escalate quickly from there.
It all Started Coming Together and Really Took Off
David explains “After the expected challenging first year, it all started to fall into place, and it was hugely exciting. Because you have long-term clients, often on monthly contracted fees, you can project your turnover for up to a few years ahead which is very comforting.
By my second year, I could see my turnover would be hitting the ‘six figure’ level. Allowing for all business costs and after ‘joint venture’ fees to the other Auditel franchise Partners I work with, I forecast a ‘personal income’ level over £100,000 this year, and continuing to grow.”
Playing to your Strengths
David Wilshin winning a franchise award at 2024 Auditel National Conference
Auditel can be a different style of business for different people, with multiple ‘pathways’ to success that suit your skills, experience and personal interests as well as future learning and direction. David explains his perspective “I focus my business on client acquisition and management. So I manage more clients but I get other Auditel Partners to do most of the project work and we share the fees as a result (Joint Venturing). I prefer the client facing side to the technical delivery side. That’s the beauty of Auditel, you can play to your strengths. I could do some projects if I chose to, but that’s the great thing about having your own business – its your choice! Auditel is such a flexible franchise because of both it’s nature, but also the power of a collaborative network of fellow franchise Partners.”
Delighted with My Decision
David summarises “So, I’m just coming to the end of my third year with Auditel, and I’m delighted with my decision. I have a great client base, and choose my opportunities that just keep adding new layers of income streams to my business, but the finances weren’t the main driver, and I lover my work/life balance now. Perhaps best of all, what I do really matters, it has great purpose. Making a difference to the planet through projects that are helping my clients to reduce carbon emissions and work towards Net Zero is rewarding in so many ways. Joining Auditel has been the best decision of my career.”
Auditel is expanding fast, and to meet client demand needs to keep growing it’s Partner/Member Firms within the Auditel Business Community with it’s wide-ranging talent pool of people with experience of all kinds of backgrounds and business sectors. To learn more about the exciting opportunities in Carbon and Procurement Solutions through the Auditel Business Community opportunities, enquire today.
