Franchise Focus
The brand’s the thing
Recognition Express lead the way in the branded and promotional goods marketplace
INVESTMENT LEVEL: £35,000 R
ecognition Express has been successfully operating in the corporate recognition marketplace since 1979 and is the most successful franchise
network for the sector in the country, with over 50 franchisees in the UK and Europe.
The UK marketplace is huge – at over £3billion per annum – and, whilst established and robust, it is still growing, ensuring good trading opportunities. Recognition Express franchisees have an extensive range of products at their disposal – from branded gifts and promotional products to name badges, staff awards, signage plus branded and decorated clothing – for all businesses, academia and the public sector. Recognition Express look for people
who are hard working, ambitious and driven, with good ‘people skills’ and who understand how to build relationships with customers. The company is renowned for its high level of ongoing franchisee support, advice and programmes in the areas of marketing, sales, product sourcing, technology and business planning and has been a full member of the British Franchise Association since 1980. It is also a multiple
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finalist and past winner of the prestigious bfa Franchisor of the Year award.
“We get the very best products from the very best suppliers, keeping our network one step ahead of the competition”
Stuart Fisher took the plunge and became a Recognition Express franchise owner in early 2008. A qualified accountant his whole working life, Stuart spent the 11 previous years spent as finance director for an exhibition and conference venue. Stuart confirms: “There are quarterly meetings with Nigel Toplis, Recognition Express’s managing director, which I have found hugely valuable in helping me to focus my business in the right direction. “He is a great sounding board for new ideas and opportunities. Recognition Express is providing me with the base on which I can build a successful franchise business and achieve my personal and business goals.”
Jan Chidley was born in New Zealand and came to England aged 21 for a working holiday. Having been a full-time mum for 18 years, Jan decided it was now her time. In 2008, she became franchise owner for Recognition Express Hull and East Riding. She says: “I had a business with my father back in New Zealand growing apples. We sold it and I decided I wanted to do something in the UK, now that the family are grown up. “My husband is CEO of Driver Hire – a large nationwide franchise – and he was aware of Recognition Express and had met Nigel on several occasions. With a wide range of good quality product, a broad spread of potential customers and a sound business model, we both felt this was the right sort of business for me.” Nigel Toplis, managing director says:
“It’s you who makes the key decisions in your franchise business, but you are not on your own because we are always on hand with help and advice, business planning, financial planning, marketing programmes, training and much more.
“As part of the largest franchise network for corporate merchandise and recognition products, our franchise owners also benefit from our considerable purchasing power. We get the very best products from the very best suppliers, keeping our network one step ahead of the competition.” The centrally-managed marketing
programmes maximise the efforts of franchise owners and, with an appointment generating system, Recognition Express directly assists franchisees to get in front of potential customers. n
RECOGNITION EXPRESS
WEBSITE:
www.recognition-express.com EMAIL:
jmatthews@recognition-express.com PHONE: 01530 513 300 CLASSIFICATION: Business to Business
Investment: £20k-£50k
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