Franchise Focus Best Express
In 30 years Recognition Express has branded it all – from Big Mac badges to brass-band anoraks
INVESTMENT LEVEL: £35,000
its marketplace. In 2004 the company launched its Recognition Awards which seek to celebrate ordinary people all over the UK who go the extra mile at work, or in their organisation. In 2009, and again in 2010, Recognition Express also ran a competition in primary schools asking pupils to design a road safety mug, in partnership with Brake, the national road safety charity.
Recognition Express franchisees come from all walks of life, from teachers and factory bosses to military personnel. They include former accountant Stuart Fisher, 49, from Harrow, who won the company’s 2009 award for New Franchisee of the Year. Says Stuart: “I have always fancied running my own business and didn’t want
“Recognition Express does everything – training, great support and a helpful network of franchise owners”
business adventure for franchise company Recognition Express.
W
That was 1979. More than 30 years later Recognition Express has become the European market leader in corporate recognition products.
Its portfolio includes business gifts, plaques, personalised name badges, corporate branded clothing, conference kits, and promotional products such as umbrellas, pens, bags and clothing. There are some 45 franchise owners covering 49 territories across the UK and three master franchisees across Europe.
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Businessfranchise.com | June 2012
hen McDonald’s and Kentucky Fried Chicken wanted badges for their staff, it was the start of a massive
For managing director Nigel Toplis, the secret to success is finding exceptional franchisees who share his desire to be the best in the business, along with a great range of products, a professional design service and personal attention. “We’re all about quality and pride in a job well done,” he says.
“I never cease to be amazed at the jobs our franchisees take on. They’re so inventive – from producing pens for the island of St Helena tourism authority, to printing waterproof jackets for a brass band who were fed up of getting wet on parade. They’re always up for a challenge.” The first Recognition Express franchise opened in Richmond. The head office moved to Leicestershire in 1986 and is still based in the county. Nigel has ensured that Recognition Express also invests in
to look back in 10 years and wish I’d taken the plunge. Two years on I can honestly say that Recognition Express does everything it says on the label. There’s comprehensive training with refreshers if needed, great support in all areas of the business and a helpful network of franchise owners.” Nigel became MD in 2003 and brought with him the ambition to raise the profile of the image and recognition marketplace in the UK. He had previously spent eight years with Kall Kwik, latterly as managing director, and was elected chairman of the British Franchising Association for two years running in 2006 and 2007. In 2007 he was made an honorary fellow by the Lancaster Business School for his work with them on their franchise elective. He has written two books on
franchising. And yes, Recognition Express does still produce
staff name badges for McDonald’s restaurants! n
RECOGNITION EXPRESS Stuart Fisher
WEBSITE:
www.recognition-express.com EMAIL:
stoplis@recognition-express.com PHONE: 01530 513 300 CLASSIFICATION: Business-to-business
Investment: £20k-£50k
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