The Cost Reduction Company - a peek into the backgrounds of our partners

People frequently inquire about the type of individuals we consider for franchise opportunities at The Cost Reduction Company. The truth is we welcome people from a range of backgrounds, there is no need to be an expert in the industry, the most important traits we seek are dedication, a willingness to learn, a strong work ethic, and a shared commitment to our core values. In our eyes, the ideal franchisee is anyone who shares our vision and is ready to contribute to our collective success. 

Here is a peek into the background of some of our franchise partners:

Harriet Alexander

Having studied Politics and Law at Southampton University, Harriet worked for Motiveforce Group, a full-service marketing and incentives agency. She started as an Account Manager running corporate incentive campaigns, then ran the Awards Services and Buying Departments. Her time at Motiveforce was cut short when her husband’s job took them to the Far East, where she taught English as a foreign language, worked as a marketing consultant for an interior design company, and learnt to speak Thai. Back in the UK, now with three children, Harriet wrote a Thai Cookery book, ran Thai cooking demonstrations and designed several websites. Once her youngest child started in full time school in 2012 it felt like the right time to return to the workplace, and she joined The Cost Reduction Company as a partner.

James Wild

James trained as a professional orchestral musician at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, and thereafter gained 34 years’ experience working in music education, the last 25 years as a full-time Director of music and schoolmaster at a boys’ boarding prep school. Keen for a career change, the opportunity to join The Cost Reduction Company as a partner seemed a good match for his experience in independent schools and transferable skills.

Bertrand Bigaignon

Bert was born in Mauritius and at a young age he moved to Zimbabwe where he worked in footwear manufacturing and retail for 14 years. As part of his time in Zimbabwe, he was lucky enough to visit several countries around Africa both for business and pleasure. He immigrated to the UK with his family in 2000 where he worked in service and maintenance of sports and gym equipment. Five years ago he decided to go out on his own and purchased an Estate Agency board management business, from this success he decided to join The Cost Reduction Company, which he is excited to be a part of and looks forward to a prosperous and sustainable future.

Melanie Duncan

Melanie graduated cum Laude, with the Rectors Medal for academic excellence in Business studies from the University of Port Elizabeth. She has 20 years procurement experience, having worked for several automotive manufacturers as well as in FMCG and Oil and Gas Industry.

Could you be our next Partner? Follow the link to The Cost Reduction Company franchise page for more information.