“Learning and sharing knowledge is what enables this great network of professionals to grow and improve their franchise businesses”

Collaboration and learning featured prominently at Expense Reduction Analysts’ latest European conference

Last month in the beautiful Spanish sunshine, more than 300 guests gathered on the Costa Blanca for the opening of Expense Reduction Analysts’ annual European conference.

It’s very much a key event in the ERA calendar, with insightful presentations, engaging workshops and thought-provoking seminars delivered by the franchisor and franchisees alike.

At the same time, ERA franchisees had plenty of opportunities to meet with their European colleagues, forge new relationships and discuss opportunities for international collaboration, including a warm welcome from the company’s Spanish network.

Value through insight

This year the theme of the conference was delivering ‘Value Through Insight’ - mirroring ERA’s recently introduced strapline - a reference to how the company’s franchise partners, through their expertise, experience and insight, can create additional value and provide bespoke efficiency solutions for their clients in the areas of cost optimisation, supplier management and process efficiency.

While enjoyment and franchisee recognition were among the key components when organising the conference, ERA operations manager Florian Damien wanted to promote an environment that facilitated collaboration and personal development.

Florian adds: “Collaboration and development are core principles of the Expense Reduction Analysts business model and annual conferences are a great opportunity for franchisees to meet and network with their international colleagues and European support staff. This event enables us to build stronger relationships, as well as develop new ones, which ultimately results in more opportunity for everyone involved.”

Learning and sharing knowledge

Key highlights from the conference included insightful presentations delivered by ERA support staff, helping franchise partners to understand how to take advantage of new technologies and embrace the digital world for business development and workshops that fostered the sharing of knowledge and best practice.

Steve Beadle, head of the ERA Academy, says: “Learning and sharing knowledge is what enables this great network of professionals to grow and improve their franchise businesses. It’s essential that as a franchisor we not only provide our franchise partners with the tools necessary for success but also guide them on how to best take advantage of these tools, especially within this fast-changing business environment we all work in.”

Other highlights included a creative opening ceremony by ERA’s Spanish team, a networking tapas tour, an excellent keynote speech delivered by Jeremy White of Wired magazine and the annual franchisee gala dinner, which also featured a special awards ceremony recognising the excellence and dedication of the company’s franchise network.

The three days were enjoyed by all and preparations have already started for next year’s conference, which will take place in Italy.

At a glance

Established: 1992
Number of franchised outlets: 650-plus
Location of units: UK and internationally
Investment range: £44,900 (plus VAT)
Minimum required capital: 30 per cent of total start-up costs
Contact: Matt O’Neil moneil@expensereduction.com. 07753 966651