Denis Brennan, Auditel Cost Management Consultant says: “I am really a ‘solutions provider’ to my clients, a ‘solutions consultant’ if you like. Most clients have problems with the time that it takes to deal with issues that are not their core competencies or core business interests. We take that pressure away and do the work for them.”

Denis joined Auditel in September 2008. He had a distinguished career with the Arjowiggins Group, the multi-national paper manufacturing company, for many years. Latterly he held the key role of ITC Performance Director, where he was involved in controlling telecoms services and business costs. This gave him extensive experience of overseeing projects and programmes within challenging schedules and budgets.

Opening his Auditel business allowed him to focus this experience on his clients’ behalf. Denis says: “I really enjoy the situation that Auditel has provided for me, to work within a variety of business sectors. While my goal is obviously to help my clients, I have been pleasantly surprised by the opportunities to learn new ideas and concepts.”

Denis is a Project Manager for one of Auditel’s Business Development Teams responsible for identifying new categories of overheads for investigation. “While we look at the essential overheads of energy and telecom costs, I have a special interest in what we call ‘other business costs’. These include office and janitorial supplies, stationery and R & D Tax Credits, depending on the nature of the business. I am also an Auditel network trainer and mentor, coaching new franchisees in how to work in those areas.

“Our varied client base includes charities, schools, restaurants, hotels and manufacturing companies. We also provide our service to many leading accountancy practices, Chambers of Commerce and other organisations through our unique Partnership Programme.”

One of Denis’s clients is Christ College in Brecon, a foremost co-educational boarding school, founded by Henry VIII under Royal Charter in 1541. Denis achieved savings of 34% in their telecommunications, 56% in their gas bill in Year 1 and 21% in Year 2, 16% in their electricity bill in Year 1 and 16% in Year 2. Ongoing projects are Office Consumables and Janitorial Supplies.

Christ College’s Bursar reported: “Auditel understood our business needs quickly and identified what we wanted. They provided all the assistance we needed to get the best possible deal in a number of areas. We are delighted with the results!”

Rhys, 26, joined his father’s business in January 2011, following graduation from Cass Business School, where he achieved a Merit for his MSc in Business. “One of the most enjoyable aspects of my job is the wide variety of people I meet. I also relish the challenges thrown up by the everyday running of a small business and the potential for personal development that this provides.”

Denis adds: “He brings academic rigour and discipline and heads up the Business Development arm.”

Both Denis and Rhys agreed that they felt comfortable and engaged with Auditel during the recruitment process. Denis: “The openness and the pleasant nature of the people were the principal reasons why Auditel appealed to me more than other opportunities. The training was excellent. Rhys: “It wasn’t a difficult choice. Following the training, I felt very confident and looked forward to getting stuck in on Monday first thing!”

Being conveniently based in two major commercial centres, Denis and Rhys are able to service a UK-wide client base. Last year, Denis was recognised for his services to the network and his progress in the field. At Auditel’s National Conference, he received the prestigious ‘Franchisee of the Year’ Award.