Recognition Express Franchise: What’s Involved?

Recognition Express was established almost 40 years ago and is a business-to-business franchise that specialises in corporate branded merchandise. Whether it’s producing promotional products, personalised name badges or a branded clothing range, this franchise provides an important service to businesses, schools and organisations throughout the UK.

If you’re interested in joining 40 other franchisees around the country, here is some more information about the Recognition Express franchise opportunity.

About Recognition Express

Since 1979, Recognition Express has been helping business to improve their brand recognition and professional image. The products produced increase businesses exposure resulting in greater customer loyalty and staff pride too.

Some of the most popular products that Recognition Express provide include:

• Custom name badges

Businesses whose employees wear name badges are considered to be more friendly, professional, and trustworthy. For staff members themselves, name badges can help promote a sense of pride and accountability. Recognition Express stock name badges in both metal and plastic to suit all uses and budgets. The name badges can be custom printed or shaped into a company logo for a more significant visual impact.

• Magnetic name badges

Enamel and metal badges work well as a promotional product for more formal settings, as they can be added subtly to a suit lapel without causing the damage that a pin badge can. So, whether it’s commemorating a special event, fundraising, or simply reinforcing a brand, businesses can choose from a range of magnetic badges to ensure their message is around for years to come.

• Employee recognition ideas

Recognition is a basic human need, and so it’s crucial for businesses to recognise the success of their employees. Businesses can choose from an extensive range of trophies and awards, all of which can be expertly etched or engraved. With a quick turnaround, competitive pricing and high-quality choice, this is an excellent way for businesses to motivate their staff.

What’s required?

The good news is that you don’t need to have any previous experience to become a Recognition Express franchisee. You merely need to be enthusiastic, motivated and prepared to work hard to make your business a success. You don’t even need to secure business premises to run your business as you can easily do it from home. However, as you grow your business, you may wish to relocate to a small business unit.

Recognition Express is looking for committed franchisees and so you’ll sign a 10-year franchise agreement that can be renewed at no extra cost. The more time you devote to your business the more successful you will be, and so there’s an expectation that you’ll operate your franchise as a full-time business venture.

Financial information

From a financial perspective, the total investment required to become a franchisee is £35,000 plus VAT. This will give you a license to trade, access to a comprehensive training programme, and on-going support.

Once you’ve launched your new business, you’ll have the freedom to run your Recognition Express franchise in a way that works for you. To fit your business around other commitments, you can choose to run it from the comfort of your home or rent a unit nearby. Either way, advice, support or additional training will always be on hand if you need it.

To know more about: Financing Your Franchise: How To Get Help From Your Bank

Training and support

As a franchisee, you’ll attend an extensive three-week training programme, which takes place initially at headquarters. Once you've installed everything you need to run your business successfully in your home or office, additional hands-on training will take place. The training is designed to make you feel as prepared and confident as possible before you launch your business.

As well as the formal training, you’ll also have the opportunity to attend network meetings with other franchisees. This is a great chance to ask questions, swap tips, and share success stories with your fellow business owners.

The franchise package also includes:

• A centralised marketing launch programme • Appointment generating system • Contact management system • Personalised website • Marketing collateral • 250 Recognition Express product catalogues • Sage accounting software

That’s everything you need to get you set up and profitable as quickly as possible.

Case study

Alex Newman from Coventry worked for Recognition Express as an employee before deciding to invest in the franchise. Seeing other aspiring entrepreneurs joining the franchise with no previous experience gave Alex the confidence to give it a try.

So Alex borrowed money from his family so that he could become his own boss and hasn’t looked back since. He enjoys the fact that every day is different as a franchisee. A typical day may involve checking emails, sending quotes, visiting customers and marketing to prospects.

Of course, as Alex had never run his own business before, there have also been challenges along the way. He has had to learn how to focus his time on the areas of the business that are profitable and keep on top of payments to ensure cash flow isn’t impacted. Throughout his franchising journey though, Alex has received first-class support from the sales and marketing support teams.

Becoming a franchisee has changed Alex’s life, and now he cannot imagine ever working for anyone else after enjoying the freedom that comes with being his own boss. Alex attributes his success to having a positive mindset and remaining motivated to acquire new business and develop relationships with customers. And although some hands-on production is required, the primary role of a franchisee is to drive the business forward through sales and marketing activity.

So what does Alex plan for the future? Well, thanks to the success that he’s enjoyed so far as a Recognition Express franchisee, he’s looking to renew his franchise agreement and continue to grow his business for another ten years.