Recognition Express is an established player in the £3 billion promotional products sector
Branded assets are mission critical for organisations of all shapes and sizes. Achieving the ‘recognition factor’ is fundamental to growth and success.
Recognition Express offers an effective way to break into this dynamic marketplace, which is worth more than £3 billion in the UK. Established in 1979, the company’s ongoing success is rooted in personal service, value for money and strong relationships with suppliers and customers.
The opportunity
Potential customers for this businessto- business franchise range from multinational corporations and local businesses to charities and schools.
All these organisations need name badges, promotional items and marketing materials to build brand awareness, recognition and equity.
There are six core income streams for Recognition Express franchisees: Promotional items.
- Personalised clothing.
- Badges.
- Trophies and awards.
- Banners and displays.
- Signage.
Jobs can range from the delivery of 100,000 name badges for a major airline to supplying personalised umbrellas for a local event.
Promotional items alone represent a significant business opportunity. These products can be powerful ‘message carriers’- research shows that 94 percent of branded merchandise recipients remember the product or the company for more than six months. And some items remain in active use for a year or more.
In the midst of the digital age, the humble pen still tops the list of best performing promotional gifts year after year. Demand for branded clothing is also high - from polo shirts and workwear to school uniforms.
Franchise benefitS
With more than 38 years’ experience and a thriving network, Recognition Express is an excellent proposition for ambitious people eager to set up and build their own business. No previous experience is necessary, as bespoke training and support is provided.
As a large, well established network, Recognition Express has considerable purchasing power. This enables franchisees to offer competitively priced products, while still making a significant profi t.
Recognition Express keeps up to date with relevant trends and issues, such as personalisation and sustainability. The product portfolio includes a wide choice of eco-friendly items. And many products are held in stock at a central UK warehouse for immediate despatch, so franchise owners can personalise customer orders on demand.
Franchise owners can choose a level of involvement that works for them. Some work from home, preferring to outsource production, while others thrive on the manufacturing aspect of the business and operate from small industrial units.
What’s in the package?
Franchisees receive ongoing business support and have access to comprehensive back office systems. These include appointment generating software and Recognition Express’ bespoke ‘REACT’ marketing system, plus marketing collateral and tools, a dedicated website and access to the company’s intranet.
A centrally designed, managed and implemented direct marketing programme forms the backbone of Recognition Express’ marketing systems. This is augmented by high quality collateral, marketing tools and ongoing training designed to drive business growth, customer contact and brand awareness.
There is capacity in the UK for 80- 90 Recognition Express operations. So while resale opportunities are available, the company is also looking for new franchisees.
A perfect match?
Recognition Express is particularly looking for customer driven franchisees who are good communicators and motivated by achievement. If you have the energy and enthusiasm to follow a proven business system to meet and exceed customer demands, this could be the ideal franchise for you.
Recognition Express sets high standards for franchisees and expects franchisees to demand excellence from the company. You will fi nd this in the depth and breadth of advice and guidance on offer, the training and marketing tools provided and the products and services supplied.
Graham Marshall of Recognition Express Essex says: “With a Recognition Express franchise, you have the freedom to take the business in whatever direction you see fit.
“The corporate recognition marketplace offers a lot of scope and franchisees are 100 per cent in charge of their own destiny. You have complete autonomy, but you are buoyed up by the franchisor’s support and guidance.”
Recognition Express is a previous winner of the British Franchise Association/HSBC Franchisor of the Year Award and has franchisees nationwide - many of whom have been active for more than 25 years.
The company is part of The Bardon Group, which runs three additional established brands: Kall Kwik, ComputerXplorers and Techclean.
At a glance summary
- Dynamic, £3 billion marketplace.
- Six lucrative income streams.
- Homeworking potential.
- Excellent support and training.
- Robust marketing framework.
