Selected from Recognition Express' 47 strong network of franchisees, Newman gained the Terry Howorth Award for Excellence in Business in recognition to his impressive turnover, repeat business orders and a strong profit. In addition to this he has expanded his Recognition Express business, which specialises in corporate recognition products, by buying the Warwick franchise that allows him to cover the area from Stratford-Upon-Avon to Coventry taking in Leamington Spa, Warwick, Rugby and Nuneaton.

"My existing business is going really well so I jumped at the opportunity to buy the Warwick territory, which has great potential," says Alex (pictured receiving his award from Recognition Express founder Nigel Toplis). "I love being my own boss and franchising is a lower-risk way of achieving this. I used to be IT manager at our headquarters, so I knew that opening a franchise would be a good decision. I'm looking forward to the challenge of running the two businesses side-by-side."