Expense Reduction Analysts is celebrating 25 successful years and with further worldwide expansion planned, ERA welcome enquiries from motivated franchisees
At the beginning of May, more than 350 Expense Reduction Analysts (ERA) franchisees and members of staff gathered for ERA’s Global Conference at the Monte Carlo Bay Hotel in Monaco to celebrate the 25th year anniversary of their business franchise in style. With franchisees flying in from all corners of the globe, including Europe, Australia, New Zealand, North and South America, the conference served as the perfect opportunity to celebrate an impressive milestone with colleagues, staff and friends.
Since its inception in 1992, ERA continues to demonstrate exceptional year-on-year growth and has established itself – over 25 years – as a market leader within the white-collar franchising industry. Today, they are considered as the worlds’ leading franchise in cost optimization and supplier management and were recently awarded as ‘Best Business Franchise’ during the Global Franchise Awards in 2018.
Once a simple concept that started from humble beginnings, ERA now operates in over 25 countries with more than 650 franchisees worldwide forming a highly-qualified network of international business professionals who help their clients to create opportunities through the reduction of overhead expenditure and optimization of processes. Companies can then re-invest their savings into the future growth of their businesses with zero impact on the quality of their product or service.
A ‘people business’…
In spite of their name, Expense Reduction Analysts is and always has been – at its core – a people business. “People buy from people” explains ERA’s Chief Sales Officer, Arnd Halbach, “ERA is a living example of this motto. When it comes to reducing costs, ERA franchisees certainly have the ability to provide their clients with a very high level of expertise across a wide and diverse range of ‘cost-categories’ but the value of the ERA offering also lies in their ability to fully understand the needs and concerns of the CEO or CFO sitting in front of them”.
Strong relationship skills are therefore a must for anyone seriously considering ERA as a franchise opportunity. “Successful businesses are built by talking to people and demonstrating the value that you can provide to them”, continues Arnd, “At the same time it is important to also build strong relationships with your colleagues as ERA is all about collaboration and getting the best out of people”.
… recognized and expanding globally
In recent years, the energy and the professionalism of ERA and its people have been recognized by several well-known industry organizations. ERA’s recent awards include: the ‘World Class Franchise 2015-2017’ award in the USA, the ‘Seal of Excellence in Franchising 2018’ in Brazil, the ‘Top Consultant 2014-2017’ award in Germany, the ‘Bronze Franchisor of the year 2017’ award in the UK and the recent ‘Best Business Franchise’ at the Global Franchise Awards in 2018.
“ERA has never been a business that stands still” adds Neil Burnard, New Master Franchisee in the UAE. “In the last 12 months, ERA has increased its presence in new markets including Slovenia, Peru, Columbia, Guatemala and now, the UAE”. “Even in the UAE, businesses are now facing significant pressure to reduce costs and improve profitability.”
ERA’s expansion is set to continue across all markets and with a specific focus on Turkey, South Africa and Singapore, the company welcomes all applications from suitable individuals who would like to join its international team.
Turning future business challenges into new opportunities
This year’s ERA Conference had a strong focus on the future and on the potential for growth in new sectors. Several workshops were held on topics such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), 3D Printing, Blockchain and how these technologies are being turned into new opportunities for ERA consultants to help their clients further reduce their costs.
During the conference, ERA Chairman, Fred Marfleet, highlighted that ERA had managed to grow strongly over the years thanks to a flexible mindset and an open-minded cultural approach globally. On the other hand, Expense Reduction Analysts’ development is also supported by the constant addition of new highly-experienced franchisees bringing with them a wealth of expertise in existing and future cost categories. With a strong sharing culture, this benefits the entire ERA franchisee network and ensures long term development in a growing number of sectors.
Fred Marfleet concluded: “I am extremely confident in the future of ERA. The franchise model is a perfect fit for our business and we have put in place a supporting structure that allow all our franchisees to strive in their business. These individual successes have been increasingly recognized in recent years and I was very proud to feel the energy coming from many of our franchisees during our last conference. There will always be challenges in business, but I know that ERA will adapt and turn those into opportunities to grow as a brand and as a network.”
AT A GLANCE
Name of franchise: Expense Reduction Analysts (ERA)
Established: 1992
Number of franchised outlets: 650+
Location of units: Worldwide
Investment range: $40,000 to $70,000
Minimum required capital: $40,000
URL: www.expensereduction.com
Contact: joinus@expensereduction.com
