West Calder-based Robin Cockburn joined the Auditel Cost Management Franchise in March 2009 following a career of 30 years in banking and finance. He had held a number of senior posts at RBS, including Director of International Banking Services.

Robin said: “There are many other franchise options but I chose Auditel because the business proposition stacked up.  The recruitment process was professional at all times and I did not feel that I was being sold to.  It was important to me that I delivered value to my customers, had a proposition I believed in and people I could work with.  Auditel gave me all this. I did think about setting up my own business but Auditel gave me a head start and reduced the risk.”

Asked about the training, Robin commented: “I have been on many training courses over the years but this had one big advantage over most. It was delivered by professionals from within the company who knew the business inside out and were not simply delivering sales theory - Excellent and exceeded my expectations!”

Robin recalls: “Earlier in my career I spent a number of years as a client-relationship manager. During this time, I worked with organisations ranging from the sole proprietor/business owner to major UK-wide businesses, government organisations and other public sector bodies.

“This covered a wide range of activities and disciplines. It included running business units over multiple locations, setting up and managing joint venture companies, implementing outsourcing arrangements and managing major supplier relationships. I also spent time working in international business and was a Director of two companies in the financial sector.

“This experience provided just the right background required for the Auditel cost management model. I enjoy working with clients, understanding how businesses operate and looking for ways to improve efficiency and profitability.”

Robin has developed a wide range of clients, including an Invoice Finance House, a small bank, a few Independent Schools, a number of Restaurant businesses, Charities, manufacturing businesses and sporting clubs. One of Robin’s clients has been a property company. Their Director, Pat Mavor, says:

“I recently appointed Robin to review my business needs and negotiate the best terms for changing utility providers when I moved office. I found him to be extremely helpful and professional and an expert in his field. Robin has made an ongoing effort to check my rates and reports regularly with ways to reduce outgoings. As a small business owner, I find this to be an indispensable service. I cannot recommend Robin highly enough and hope I can make further use of his services again in the near future.”