The franchise owner of Recognition Express Bristol is urging anyone thinking of becoming self employed to take the risk. After 20 years in various sales roles, Matt Richardson woke up two weeks before his 37th birthday and made the decision to own his own business.

Richardson said: “I thought to myself, is there something out there different for me? I enjoyed my job and loved sales but realised that I wanted to be in control of my own destiny. Two weeks later I bought the Recognition Express franchise for Bristol North.”

As a Recognition Express franchise owner, Richardson supplies corporate gifts, promotional products, badges and branded clothing.

Richardson added: “As part of a franchise I can combine all of the benefits of being my own boss with the advantage of having ongoing support and business advice from Recognition Express head office. I am passionate and committed to this business, there are so many products, it’s amazing what I can sell.

“One of the attractions with Recognition Express is that the items we sell are in everyday use. People get really excited about freebies and giveaways and love to pick up and handle promotional products.

“I will be manufacturing some of the items myself and it’ll be very satisfying to be involved at every stage from order to delivery.”

Richardson’s first order has come from an independent financial adviser who is sponsoring a pub quiz. He will be making branded key rings that incorporate bottle openers for all participants.

Published: 1 January 2011

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