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Recognition Express
Recognition Express has been successfully operating franchises in corporate recognition and promotional products since 1979. Recognition Express is the most successful franchise network for the sector in the UK, with over 45 franchisees in the UK and Europe.
- Investment amount: 20K - 50K
- Industry Sector(s): Printing/Signage/Greeting Cards
About Us
Recognition Express - British Franchise Association's Franchise of the Year 2003
Recognition Express has been successfully operating in corporate recognition and promotional products since 1979 and is the most successful franchise network in its sector in the UK, with over 45 franchisees in the UK and Europe.
Supplying branded business gifts and personalised promotional products, name badges, staff awards, posters and signs plus a full range of branded clothing to businesses, schools and organisations in the UK. The opportunity is huge with an established and growing market worth in excess of £3 billion per annum
Recognition Express is the UK's market leader with over 30 years of experience in the business. Franchisees that are hard working, ambitious and driven, with good ‘people skills' are well suited to the ethos of the company.
As a successful company operating in the business to business sector Recognition Express has been a full member of the bfa since 1980, and is a past winner of the bfa Franchisor of the Year award.
Walk around your local area and see the opportunities everywhere for signs, badges, clothing, large format colour posters, promotional products, corporate gifts and awards. The market is massive, and the good news is that the majority of the business is repeat business.
Recognition Express Franchise Owners pride themselves on the excellent long-term relationships, even friendships, which they build in their everyday working lives.
Training and Support - How We Support You
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 you benefit from our considerable purchasing power. We get the very best products from the very best suppliers, keeping you one step ahead of the competition.
Recognition Express franchisees benefit from:
- Extensive marketing support
- Centralised marketing programmes
- Integrated business planning
- On-going training and support
- In-house procurement services
- A range of equipment
Franchise Training
The training is comprehensive and extensive. Your three week training will cover all the key business areas - marketing, sales, finance, business planning, production, products, pricing etc.
What our franchisees say
“The ongoing support from the franchisor is very comprehensive. Good initiatives and brochures are widely available to help you promote the business. New ideas and promotions are always changing to keep pace with the marketplace. It’s this approach of constantly reassessing the marketplace that helps us maintain our position.”
Kevin Andrews, Recognition Express Taunton
“The support has been first class with excellent material and an every improving range of centralised marketing programmes. I can see significant growth and am aiming to take the business to the next level over the next 12 months.”
Sally Findlay, Recognition Express Mid Surrey
“Having been away from the workplace for 18 years, I was apprehensive about starting my own business. The support I have received from Recognition Express has been exceptional, so much so that at the end of my first year I achieved all my financial targets and have made the transition to business owner. The business is going extremely well and the economic climate has not affected my business at all. In fact, people are very aware of the need to promote the business and keep their name out there.”
Jan Chidley, Recognition Express Hull and East Riding
Equipment
Equipment is installed directly into your home or business unit to help you meet customer orders from day one, you will receive a comprehensive stock package.
Additionally many products are held in stock by RE distribution, our own warehouse and distribution service to ensure immediate dispatch and to allow you to respond to customers - ‘on-demand'.
Marketing
Recognition Express has extensive marketing experience in the business to business field, and also internally retains the services of a Marketing Agency to work with our Head of Marketing to co-ordinate activities.Centrally designed, managed and implemented direct marketing programmes form the backbone of the Recognition Express marketing system. These are augmented by high quality literature, marketing tools and ongoing training designed to drive business growth, client contact and brand awareness.
Constantly on the lookout for new exciting products and innovations, we invest both the time and money in on-going new product development programmes and in constant R&D, across the whole product range.
Support Across The Business
 | Support includes:
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Financial Information
What does a Recognition Express franchise cost?
Total package, including our franchise fee - £35,000 plus vat (vat reclaimable in your first trading quarter)
A typical bank loan is £20,000
Your investment is therefore is only £10,000
Initial franchise package includes:
- 3 Weeks Training
- Fastrak market launch
- CDMP - for 12 months
- Equipment
- Initial Stock and samples
- Presenters and Sales Aids
- Marketing Database (Team Visual), Software & Materials
- Sage Accounting Software
- Training
- Immediate installation at your home or office
Who's Ideal for Us
We want the best
Recognition Express will provide you with everything you need to ensure a successful start to your franchise business. Our philosophy is quite simple; "We want the best".
Territories/Locations
In the Recognition Express nationwide network of franchise areas, there are numerous vacancies covering most parts of the UK.
In addition there are Master Franchise opportunities available in France and the Benelux countries.
Franchise resale possibilities are also open to offers from time to time so if you have any interest then please make contact, outlining your particular area of interest.
Who is Recognition Express looking for?
There is no ideal franchisee profile. Existing Recognition Express franchise owners come from a variety of backgrounds, all with their own specific skills, including company directors, nurses, an airline flight attendant, sales executives and marketing managers.
However, there are three qualities that are a must:
- You must be a ‘people person' - comfortable sitting in front of, talking to and befriending people.
- You must be willing to follow a system.
- You must be prepared to work hard.
Click here to request more information
Name: Richard Norton
Commenced Trading: 28th June 2011
Previous Job: Category Manager/Buyer for NAAFI
Why did you choose to buy into a franchise?
I have always wanted to run my own business but I did not like the idea of being 100% on my own. I knew I would need a good level of support and expertise, not only during the launch of my business but on going as well. I was also drawn to the concept of Franchising because I had seen others make it work.Why did you choose Recognition Express?
I had a checklist of all the things I was looking for in a franchise and Recognition Express ticked all the boxes. I wanted an established brand with a strong trading history, evidence of on-going training and support, to be operating in a sizeable market place with multiple revenue streams but above all I had to see myself enjoying the work involved. So far I have not been disappointed!How have you found the training and support given by Recognition Express?
Fantastic. Following the initial weeks induction training, I have had a number of visits to my premises to cover off production training, database management, financial reporting and have sat down with Nigel for a review of my first 8 weeks. I have been encouraged to see the support is on-going and I know I can pick up the phone at a moment’s notice to find a solution to any daft question I may have!How do you see your business progressing over the next three years?
After year 1 I would be looking for the majority of my business to be repeat business from customers I have brought on board during my 1st year. The Education sector is also going to be a key focus for me and I will be looking for as much growth as possible!What has been the response of customers?
So far very good and I’m proud to say we have been exceeding expectations at times. Already I have had 3 separate customers take the time to write to me to pass on thanks for the work we have done and all have said they would be recommending me to others.What quality would you say is most important in your role?
You have to be able to build relationships with people. My first few orders were not as a result of any pushy sales pitch, they came from meeting with people at networking events and developing a relationship. Once people get to know and trust you they will start to give you business.Do you have any advice to anybody considering Recognition Express as a franchise?
I think anybody taking on a Recognition Express franchise has to be comfortable in dealing with people and willing to put effort into building long term relationships. It is also important to have a good understanding of the key businesses in your area and be open to the potential business available in all of them! Some of the larger orders I have taken have come from the smallest of businesses. Finally, and probably most importantly, ask yourself if you would enjoy working in this industry with the vast array of products and mix of people.
Find out more here.
Name: Jan Chidley, Hull & East Riding
Previous Job: Full time mum
Jan Chidley, 45, was born in New Zealand and first came to England at the age of 21 for a working holiday.
Jan did a multitude of jobs, including banking, working as a nanny and a credit controller, before meeting her husband Chris and starting a family. Jan and Chris have twins, Sam and Sophie who are at University, and Holly who is almost 16. Having been a full-time mum providing stability for the children whilst they travelled the world with Chris’s job, Jan decided in June 2008 that it was now her time and set up Recognition Express Hull and East Riding. Although Jan is the sole franchisee, husband Chris has been a big support along with the head office staff.
What attracted you to franchising?
“I had a business back in New Zealand with my father, growing apples. We sold it and I decided that I wanted to do something in the UK now that my family are nearly all grown up. I like the idea of doing something that is my own business but where I am supported.
“My husband, Chris, is the CEO of a large nationwide franchise, Driver Hire, and I could see the benefits of being a part of a franchise. There is a list of support needed when starting a new business, and on a day to day basis it is good to know you can pick up the phone and there will be help at the end of the line.”
What was it about Recognition Express that attracted you?
“Nigel Toplis and the team are very supportive, there is a wide range of good quality products and hence a broad range of potential customers, and the business model is sound.”
“My husband Chris was aware of Recognition Express and had met Nigel on several occasions. We both felt that Recognition Express was the right sort of business for me.”
What advice would you give to other women thinking of starting their own business?
“It is hard work, with a lot of commitment required, but if you get it right it is extremely satisfying. It is all about meeting people on a regular basis, forming good relationships and being able to deliver the end product.”
“Having my own business gives me flexibility around my home life, however it is important to remain focused on the business and to continue to put in the time required to keep things on the up.”
“It is not a hobby.”
Would you recommend franchising to other women?
“I would recommend franchising to other women. Whilst you have to do your homework before signing on the dotted line you should be buying into a proven business model. For busy women this can be an appealing option.”
Find out more here.
Win A Recognition Express Diamond Jubilee Party
04-25-2012 Leading promotional product and printed merchandise franchise, Recognition Express, is giving primary schools in the UK the chance to win an official Diamond Ju...
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Surrey Business Woman Presents Award for New Woman Franchisee of the Year
04-03-2012 Surrey businesswoman and owner of Recognition Express Mid Surrey, Sally Findlay, presented the award for New Woman Franchisee of Year 2011 at the En...
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PROUD DAD BACKS DAUGHTER’S TEAM
02-29-2012 BUSINESSMAN and proud dad Keith Burr has put his money where his mouth is and has sponsored his daughter’s soccer team.Keith Burr, who runs branding and c...
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Road Safety Competition A Huge Success For Recognition Express
12-07-2011 Staff at Recognition Express, the leading European franchise in promotional products, branded gifts and school uniforms, are thrilled at the success of their an...
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House of Commons visits for British Franchise Association Delegation
11-11-2011 Leicestershire businessman Nigel Toplis headed a delegation of experts from the British Franchise Association (BFA) to the Houses of Parliament this week.The gr...
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