Natalie Davies was a senior business analyst for a large financial institution before she switched careers.
Now working from home in Salisbury, Wiltshire for cost purchase management specialists Auditel, Natalie Davies tells BusinessWings about the joys of choosing her own hours and having a team on hand to support her.
Adam Bannister: What made you want to run your own business?
Natalie Davies: I needed flexible working hours as I have three children.
The question was not whether to choose Auditel or another franchise, but whether to choose Auditel or nothing
My options were working part-time or working for myself, and I chose the latter so I could keep control over my own success and didn’t have to sacrifice salary.
AB: What prompted you to leave your job?
ND: I loved my job and my colleagues, but found that childcare was increasingly becoming a headache. I dreaded every school holiday.
I tried part-time hours but found that I wasn’t taken as seriously as full-time employees and was constantly sidestepped for challenging projects.
AB: How did you come to choose the Auditel home-based business above other franchise opportunities?
ND: After researching franchises for some time, the question was not whether to choose Auditel or another franchise, but whether to choose Auditel or nothing.
Throughout the entire process, the head office team were open, honest, friendly and helpful.
The network of affiliates is one of the many benefits the organisation has to offer.
AB: How did you raise the finance?
ND: We sold our house and used some of the equity to pay for the franchise. I have a very supportive husband.
I also agreed a £10k overdraft for working capital.
AB: How would you rate the training and support provided by Auditel?
ND: The training and support I received was fantastic and way beyond my expectations.
Head office and fellow franchisees have also kept me motivated and sane throughout the early stages and the ongoing training is limitless.
