Auditel Connect Consultancy

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How confident are you that every supplier to your organisation is consistently delivering best value?

Time, for the majority of business decision makers is under increasing demand, so welcome to a professional, independent, outsourced cost management solution proven to keep you in control, yet free up your resources for the tasks you have to do.

Connect Consultancy, as part of the Auditel network, have been making life easier, and less expensive for clients across the UK since 2000. A family run business we take pride in the relationships we nurture with our clients, working alongside your existing finance, operational and procurement teams to manage and reduce business costs, processes and admin.

If we can’t find an improvement, we’ll tell you. If we can, we’ll tell you that too!

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ABOUT

Connect Consultancy Ltd was formed in 2000 by father and son team, John & Stephen Heathcock.

John, a chartered electrical engineer, purchased an Auditel franchise having spent the previous 30 years in various engineering, sales and managerial positions with utilities and suppliers to the utility sector. John is currently Financial Director.

Stephen graduated from the University of Portsmouth with an Honours degree in Geography & Economics and joined the business in the summer of 2000. He now has over two decades experience as an Auditel consultant and is currently Managing Director. 

The vision for the business from the outset was very much focused on growing a larger than typical practice. This has been achieved through careful planning, recruitment, investment in our own bespoke systems and by working closely with other Auditel businesses on both incoming and outgoing projects. John & Stephen have also both been trainers and mentors for the wider Auditel network, providing support to fellow consultants across the country over a number of years. 

Connect Consultancy is proud to be an award winning consultancy. Achievements include; Award for Excellence 2007, Outstanding Achiever Award, Consultants Consultant 2013 (Stephen Heathcock) and Highest Earning Franchise 2019. Connect Consultancy has established itself as a leading consultancy within the Auditel network. 

Over two decades since the business was first started, Connect Consultancy now manage a national client base of over 150 businesses and charities with a team of nine consultants based at the Ipswich office.

Stephen Heathcock

Managing Director

Stephen is Managing Director of Connect Consultancy Ltd. He is a graduate of the University of Portsmouth and has nearly two decades of industry experience as a practicing consultant. His focus is now on running the continually expanding business and providing vision and direction to the team.  

Alongside developing the business, Stephen has also provided several functions to Auditel UK including; Energy Trainer, New Affiliate Mentor, Regional Principal and Franchise Advisory Council Member. Stephen was voted Auditel’s UK Consultant of the year by his colleagues in 2013.

Stephen Heathcock

John Heathcock

Finance Director

John Heathcock, a graduate in electronic and electrical engineering from Birmingham University, spent his entire career before joining Auditel in the energy and water utility sectors. This gives him in-depth knowledge of the utility industry and particular expertise in energy, water and environmental auditing.

John is a Fellow of the Institution of Engineering and Technology and has a Master of Science degree in Environmental Management.

John Heathcock

Paul Copsey

Head of Client Services

Paul excels at client management and bringing new opportunities to fruition. With 30 years’ experience in customer service, sales and account management he understands that relationships are key to the continued success for both client and supplier alike.

With a passion for developing strategic partnerships Paul maintains a positive, open minded approach to new opportunity for all.

A member of the Auditel Franchise Advisory Council in 2009-10 and 2014-15, Paul is currently Chair of Suffolk Chamber of Commerce in Greater Ipswich, and co-chairs the Auditel Eastern Group.

Paul Copsey

Chris Almond

Operations Manager

Chris has been with Connect Consultancy since 2007. Chris joined us from a Business Customer Service Team Manager role in the I&C energy supply industry with E.ON Energy. He brings a wealth of industry knowledge on the supply side. He is a graduate of Staffordshire University, where he studied Business Management. 

Chris is responsible for managing the delivery team, overseeing the management of all contract renewals and overseeing development and maintenance of our proprietary management software.

Kerry Read

Head of Accounts

Kerry joined Connect Consultancy on a part time basis in 2009. With a wealth of experience operating in our accounts department, she now operates a full-time role as our head of accounts.  Kerry is responsible for running our accounts team and ensuring the accuracy of all supplier data and billing. Kerry is also responsible for all client-based invoicing.

Kerry has over 25 years of accounts experience and over 10 years of industry experience.

Deb Spicer

Business Analyst

A welcome addition to the Connect Consultancy team in 2021, Deb has a strong background in analysis and compliance gained in a number of challenging roles. Most recently a Counter Avoidance Compliance Officer with HMRC, a post she held for 17 years, Deb handles all aspects of account management and analysis with an efficient, personable, and engaging manner. Outside of work Deb has been a Spin class instructor since 2014, she also enjoys baking, which her colleagues are very pleased about.

Joanne Baggott

Business Analyst

Jo has a background in customer service, accounts and account management for large multi-national firms. Jo is a key business analyst on the contract negotiation team and has been with Connect Consultancy since 2016. 

Jo brings a knowledgeable and effective approach to contract negotiation and implementation.

Gail Clark

Business Development Executive

Gail has a broad range of project management and consultancy experience having worked in both large and small companies across all industry sectors.  Gail is Prince2 Qualified and thrives on developing innovative solutions to business problems and providing strategic operational reviews identifying where more efficient measures can be taken to improve performance and increase revenue.

Gail has forged numerous strategic alliances in spearheading the development of the Auditel Partnership Programme within the Accountancy Sector to add Auditel to their portfolio of services in a business advisory capacity.

Gail Clark

Emma Allen

Client Account Coordinator

Emma is a key part of the accounts team and has been with Connect Consultancy since 2002. She has over a decade of experience of working within the accounts team at Connect Consultancy and a significant amount of industry experience.

Kim Gear

Client Account Coordinator

Kim joined the accounts team at Connect Consultancy in 2018 to assist with the growing demand on the team. Kim has a strong background and over 19 years’ experience in administration and accounts. 

Kim graduated from the University of Suffolk with an FdA in Leadership and Management. Kim brings a diligent and efficient approach to her role within the finance team.

Kim Gear 

Once engaged we keep the process simple, informative and stress free for our clients. Understanding our client’s needs, identifying their priorities, agreeing timescales, and ensuring most appropriate solutions are identified, implemented and managed is our mission.

The relationship we build between us, our client and suppliers will continue to develop, ensuring effective communication and achieving client objectives for the future.

industries / clients / sectors

In the current climate, with heightened levels of uncertainty and budgets being stretched, Auditel are your trusted partner to ensure you are maximising every opportunity.

Regardless of which industry or sector you’re in, for example; manufacturing, charity, retail, financial services, or education – our independent analysis unlocks cash that once identified, will be redirected back into your control. It’s then up to you to choose how to utilise it, either by delivering addition dividends to shareholders, reinvesting it back into the company’s growth via new initiatives or innovative products and services.

Auditel has expertise in many different areas of expenditure which we have broken down into these cost groups. This means that we can advise you on new innovative products, services, policies and processes that can eradicate profit leaks and deliver a significant competitive advantage.

We also deliver some categories overseas for multi-nationals with a UK-presence.

Banking & Finance
Credit Insurance
Foreign Exchange
Invoice Finance
Merchant Cards
Taxation & Allowances

Business Supplies & Services
Archive, Storage & Shredding
Health Care & Medical Supplies
Janitorial Services & Supplies
Laundry
Office Furnishings
Office Supplies & Stationery
Packaging
Workwear & PPE

Catering
Catering Consumables
Contract Catering
Kitchen Equipment
Vending Machines

Communications & Technology
Artificial Intelligence
Business Continuity
Data Networking Infrastructure
Equipment & Maintenance
Fixed Line Communications
Hardware Procurement
ICT Services
Managed Services
Mobile Devices
Robotics
Software Procurement
Unified Communications

Compliance
Data Protection
Energy
Environmental
Food
General Waste
Hazardous & Clinical Waste Management
Health & Safety
Human Resources
Insurance
Travel

Logistics, Transport & Travel
Couriers
Fleet Management
Forklift Trucks
Freight
Fuel
Haulage
Insurance
Materials Handling Equipment
Pallets
Travel
Vehicular Communications
Vehicle Leasing & Sourcing
Vehicle Tracking
Warehousing

Premises & Property
Business Rates
Contract Cleaning
Engineering & Electrical Consumables
Facilities Management
Fire Systems & Equipment
Grounds Maintenance
HVAC
Maintenance & Repair
Pest Control
Property Management
Security Systems & Equipment
Washrooms

Print & Postage
Business Machines
Digital Marketing
DX
Fulfilment
Hybrid Mail
Mailing Solutions
Managed Print Solutions
Marketing Print
Operational Print & Postage
Photocopiers
Postage
Print
Workflow

Utilities & Environmental
Electricity
Energy Efficiency
Gas
Recycling
Renewable Energy
Sustainability
Waste & Environmental Services
Waste Water & Sewerage
Water

Across the UK the Auditel network assists over 2,000 clients of all sectors. We don’t claim to specialise in certain industries as each client is unique and we find that the client relationship is key, more than their given sector.

From national charities and household names, to independent retailers and education providers our experience gathered over the last 21 years means we’ve encountered and resolved most supplier issues for our clients.

Each project for each client is unique, and no organisation should promise savings in resources or finance until a full review has been conducted, however as examples here are some savings achieved for our clients;

Chartered Accountants
Electricity: 25%
Telecoms: 36%
Stationery: 30%
Insurance: 14%
Waste: 9%

Kitchen Manufacturers
Electricity: 33%
Gas: 19%
Fixed Line: 32%
Mobile: 51%

Solicitors
Card Payments: 24%
Water Rates: 29%
Hygiene Services: 39%
Waste & Recycling: 55%
Postage & DX: 23%

Private School
Electricity: £65,000
Gas: £19,000
Water: £4,000
VAT Refund – Electricity: £32,000
VAT Refund – Gas: £3,000
Climate Change Levy Refund: £26,000

It is of course about more than savings, this Commercial Truck Dealer and Vehicle Rental client also cited the following benefits;

  • Liaison with contractors during expansion
  • Bespoke reporting on larger consuming meters
  • Enhanced management reporting
  • Independent ongoing cost-centre reviews
  • Assistance with meter issues and replacement
  • Support on ESOS compliance, Phase 1 and 2, and SECR compliance

”“Since 2018 Auditel have been able to achieve fantastic savings on our energy bills, and even got the original savings back-dated! We also engaged Auditel to research different merchant payment gateways for us and they came up trumps once again. They provide a professional and speedy service with a dedicated account manager, so we’ve felt supported through the entire process.
We would highly recommend their services if you want to save money for your business, with minimum hassle.”

Bishop & MillerOperations Manager

”As members of Suffolk Chamber, we became aware of the assistance Auditel could provide in independently assessing and managing our utility costs. Paul and his team are now delivering regular reports detailing our consumption at each location and savings are presently running at 25%. We are now discussing further projects and I’d recommend having a chat with Paul, not least as he’s helping us recoup more than our Chamber membership fee.

Jackson Civil EngineeringServices Manager

”The process for reviewing our costs was painless and efficient, and we were very impressed by Auditel’s knowledge of the options available to us in all of the areas that they reviewed. The savings that will result from their suggested actions are significant and could not otherwise have been achieved without many hours of research by ourselves. In addition Auditel have access to special pricing tariffs which are not available to independent businesses. We have no hesitation in recommending the service to our clients so that they can enjoy the same cost saving benefits.

Plus AccountingPartner

”I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for the great working relationship that we have had. You and your team’s expertise and guidance has been much appreciated. I wish you personally all the best for the future. I have kept your contact details as I may need you in my next life!

Premier Travel GroupFinance Director

”We first engaged Connect Consultancy in 2010 to analyse and manage the electricity and gas supplies across the group, with savings of up to 21% and 25% respectively, and valuable resource benefits. We have found Paul Copsey at Connect Consultancy very easy to deal with. They were a local and recommended company who have filled a gap where we lacked the time and resource to monitor our energy expenditure. Through their analysis they identified such anomalies as a faulty meter at one of our branch offices and have taken away the hassle of dealing direct with the energy suppliers.

Ryans' Insurance GroupFinance Manager

”We have been very pleased with the professional and diligent approach that Gail Clark and her team at Auditel have adopted to reviewing a significant proportion of our operating costs. We have been delighted to secure savings across the spectrum of our services.

UK Fashion & Textiles AssociationCEO
suppliers

Since 1994 the Auditel network across the UK has invested significant effort into nurturing and developing successful relationships with reputable suppliers. Our independence ensures we remain agile enough to engage with those new to a sector, should we believe it to be in our clients’ interests, and equally to no longer engage if that becomes appropriate.

We maintain a significant national supplier database, capable of serving the requirements of the most demanding of UK wide organisations. In addition we recognise the often cultural and environmental value of regional and local suppliers and work hard to cultivate effective relationships in all cost area sectors.

With our help, our clients are introduced to suppliers with competitively priced products and services, fair & reasonable terms, reliable billing provision and proven customer service. Equally the suppliers we engage with are introduced to client opportunities they would not usually be aware of or able to tender for, and with little expense from a sales and marketing perspective.

Many suppliers attend the annual Auditel UK Supplier Exhibition – a great way to further develop working relationships and demonstrate evolving products and services to the Auditel network.

View Supplier Guide
News
connectauditelPaul Copsey@connectauditel·
7 Dec

Chair and Vice Chair of new Offshore Wind Cluster announced https://www.insightenergynews.co.uk/latest-news/chair-and-vice-chair-of-new-offshore-wind-cluster-announced-1548834

Reply on Twitter 1468230080887414793Retweet on Twitter 1468230080887414793Like on Twitter 1468230080887414793
connectauditelPaul Copsey@connectauditel·
2 Dec

Utilities join forces to improve disabled customer service amid energy crisis https://www.futurenetzero.com/2021/12/01/utilities-join-forces-to-improve-disabled-customer-service-amid-energy-crisis/

Reply on Twitter 1466342765554458627Retweet on Twitter 1466342765554458627Like on Twitter 1466342765554458627
connectauditelPaul Copsey@connectauditel·
1 Dec

Ofwat concerned by financial health of three UK water firms https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/nov/30/ofwat-concerned-by-financial-health-of-uks-biggest-water-firms

Reply on Twitter 1465980252589600776Retweet on Twitter 1465980252589600776Like on Twitter 1465980252589600776
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Highest Team Income Award Winners 2019

We were honoured to receive the Highest Team Income award at the 2019 Auditel UK National Conference, here’s Paul Copsey accepting the award on behalf of our team. Thanks to all who work with us in the Auditel network, our partners & suppliers, and our clients without which our business wouldn’t exist.

20th November 2021 in Auditel, Carbon Neutral, Net Zero, SUSTAINABILITY

Carbon Management 101 – Episode 7 – What are Carbon Offsets

https://vimeo.com/644538402
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20th November 2021 in Auditel, Carbon Neutral, Net Zero, SUSTAINABILITY

Carbon Management 101 – Episode 6 – 9 Grades of Carbon Reporting

https://vimeo.com/644527015
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20th November 2021 in Auditel, Carbon Neutral, Net Zero, SUSTAINABILITY

Carbon Management 101 – Episode 5 – What is PAS 2060

https://vimeo.com/644511880
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20th November 2021 in Auditel, Carbon Neutral, Net Zero, SUSTAINABILITY

Carbon Management 101 – Episode 4 – Market Forces in Carbon Management

https://vimeo.com/644497504
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20th November 2021 in Auditel, Carbon Neutral, Net Zero, SUSTAINABILITY

Carbon Management 101 – Episode 3 – What is the difference between Carbon Neutral and Net Zero

https://vimeo.com/644476000
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20th November 2021 in Auditel, Carbon Neutral, Net Zero, SUSTAINABILITY

Carbon Management 101 – Episode 2 – What are the 3 Scopes of Carbon Emissions

https://vimeo.com/644464119
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contact

Our office is based in woodland overlooking the Suffolk countryside on the small high tech business innovation park of Brightwell Barns. With an onsite Café offering a glorious view, it’s the perfect location for us – feel free to contact us to visit for an informal chat over a fresh coffee.

Connect Consultancy Ltd T/A Auditel
Unit 23, Brightwell Barns, Ipswich Road, Brightwell, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP10 0BJ

Connect Consultancy Ltd Registered Office: Friday Lane Cottage, Church Lane, Hitcham, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP7 7NN
Registered in England & Wales No. 4584367

connect@auditel.co.uk
01394 334000
@connectauditel

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