Mark Appleton joined Auditel on the Induction Programme of December 2022, ready to launch his business at the start of January 2023, and such has been the pace of his business growth, he has already upgraded his Associate Partner Business to a Full Partner Business, increasing his business resource capacity and reducing his monthly management fee percentage.

Based in Cheshire, Mark previously had Director and ownership roles within the Renewable Energy sector, and this experience has been helpful in getting involved with project work for other Auditel Partners alongside developing new client opportunities too.

Mark explains “I can see the income streams are already developing. Within 6 weeks of starting my business after training, I’ve secured a good-sized client for projects around Carbon Inventory and Energy and there is plenty more scope for additional projects with this client too.”

He continues “In addition I’ve engaged with the wider Auditel network and this has also led me to get involved in a project with an Auditel Partner on electric vehicle charging. Another Partner had a client with a need for expertise in bio-fuels, so I’ve been able to start a project doing this as well. I’ve several other new client opportunities for whom I have proposals submitted, plus a building pipeline of many more prospective clients.”

To help with understanding why one would invest in the Associate Partner model and then upgrade to the Full Partner model, the Associate Partner model provides a lower cost route into initial investment of the business at £20,000 compared to the Full Partner Business at £40,000, but carries a higher percentage of turnover as a management fee. So, other than for those running the business on a very part-time basis in the long-term, it will be financially beneficial to upgrade to the Full Partner model once clients and income streams are building to a certain level. Using the models as a ‘stepping stone’ is a great way to lower the initial risk and outlay, and also reduce need for funding at this time of higher borrowing levels.

So, what’s behind Mark’s flying start? Well, actually, nothing more than following the proven business system coupled with hard work and proactivity on Mark’s part.

“I started with the approach of ‘find out what works and do a lot of it to a very high standard’. I’ve found that the Auditel marketing plan, from prospecting to lead generation, presentation and proposals works well which is the first step. I’ve been supported really well by the whole Auditel team. Rob Allison (Carbon Director) has masses of experience in carbon and client engagement and has helped me with securing my first clients as well as giving me the tools to win business by myself. Chris Aston produces excellent marketing materials which are continually being updated and improved. Fiona Steels provides first-class support, mentoring and encouragement around establishing my business which invaluable.

If I’d started on my own it would have taken two years and a lot of money to get to where I am already – and then I’d still be on my own. Instead, I immediately have a network of support and Auditel colleagues providing a wealth of knowledge and experience to help me deliver more value to my clients across a whole range of areas which I could never do alone.”

He adds “Last week, I ran a carbon workshop in Scotland, which went really well, and opened up further opportunities within the client. Previous experience in a relevant sector helps in that I‘ve been able to promote this internally within the Auditel community as well working hard to develop a good portfolio of my own clients in the same way any new Auditel Partner would do.”

Looking back at the last few months and his whirlwind start Mark reflects “In terms of my experience so far I been very impressed with the Auditel team, and also the wider Partner network. When you join a new organisation, as an employee or a business partner it’s always hard to know if the values and culture they promote at the outset are the same as those they live day to day. This is definitely the case with Auditel who are a pleasure to work with.

The training was great but the learning curve is huge and I feel like I’m picking up new knowledge every day which is very exciting. It really is a ‘Business Community’ that I am part of and I’m enjoying getting to know people with very different backgrounds, skills and experience. Best of all, I’m not just making a positive difference to my clients, and generating a commercially and financially rewarding business, but I’m making a positive impact on the planet in doing so!”

He concludes “With so much happening in such a short timeframe, I’m absolutely delighted to have become part of the Auditel Business Community. I decided to join as an Associate Partner Business as this provided a lower-risk route into the business, at a reduced investment of £20,000. I still had all the same training and support as with a Full Partner Business, but my management fees to Auditel would be greater. Now that I can see my pipeline of clients and income streams growing, it makes sense to upgrade to the Full Partner Business. It was always my plan to do so, but I had envisaged this maybe towards the end of my first year of training, not within just two months!!”

Nick Tubb, Head of Partner Recruitment adds “It’s fantastic that Mark has had such a flying start and has upgraded already. It really shows the depth of opportunity available right now and the interest from prospective Partner in joining Auditel is very high. The Auditel Partner Business is a great ‘lower cost’ route into starting an Auditel business. It can reduce reliance on funding, or provide a ‘part-time’ route into developing a business alongside other activities. Many people currently joining Auditel are following in Mark’s footsteps by investing in the Associate Partner model but with a fairly full-time initial application you can upgrade to the Full Partner Business at the right time that suits you.”