Bardon Group top franchisee Sally Findlay from Recognition Express Mid Surrey has been named as the 2015 Encouraging Women into Franchising (EWIF) Woman Franchisee of the Year. Another Bardon Group franchisee, Jude Parker from ComputerXplorers North Yorkshire was also among the finalists in the NatWest sponsored Awards.

Sally accepted the award at a ceremony held last week in London. Her business specialises in manufacturing and sourcing promotional products and branded clothing. It recently produced cool bags for Dairy Crest and alumni merchandise for the University of Kingston, whose mentoring programme Sally joined last year.

Said Sally: “I was surprised and delighted when I heard my name announced as the winner. 2014 was a standout year for me and my business. We celebrated ten years of trading and played an active role within the community. It’s an honour to win this award; especially from an organisation whose objectives I support wholeheartedly.”

Said The Bardon Group managing director Nigel Toplis: “Sally is consistently one of our top performing Recognition Express franchisees and this award is well deserved. Not only is she a brilliant businesswoman she also cares passionately about helping other franchisees within the network and is a shining example to other women of how to run an award – winning franchise.

“Jude too is one of our outstanding franchisees – It’s a shame there could only be one winner but we’re very proud of them both.”

The Bardon Group has a stable of four brands: Recognition Express, ComputerXplorers, The Zip Yard and Kall Kwik. Its Leicestershire headquarters has a total of 130 franchises and licensed businesses across the UK.