Recognition Express awards its Ayr-based franchise owners

Recognition Express has awarded its Terry Howarth Memorial Award for Excellence in Business 2008/09 to the franchise owners of Recognition Express West Scotland. Nigel Toplis, Managing Director of Recognition Express, surprised Stephen and Ciorsdan Price, the owners of Recognition Express West Scotland, with the award at York Races along with a magnum of champagne.

Stephen said: "We are delighted to receive such a prestigious award which not only recognises the hard work and business ethics shown by Ciorsdan and myself but also our loyal and professional staff, Janet Wellwood and Wesley McFarlane. Luckily there's enough champagne to go around!"

The award is named after the previous owner of Recognition Express, Terry Howarth, who died in 2003, and is judged on a combination of sales growth, business efficiency and following the franchise's system.

Stephen and Ciorsdan bought the franchise from Ciorsdan's mother in 2003 and last year they achieved record breaking results in 28 years of trading. The husband and wife team have managed to sustain 30 per cent sales growth year-on-year.

Nigel Toplis said: "Stephen, Ciorsdan and their team are very deserving recipients of this special award. Their drive and determination is an inspiration and their achievements are the result of sheer hard work."