When Sam Giddy, 41, saw voluntary redundancy looming he saw it as a perfect opportunity to realise his dream of running his own business. Three months later and, together with his wife Runa, Sam is launching Recognition Express Birmingham Tamworth, specialising in the supply of a wide range of branded products, promotional giveaways, personalised clothing, badges and just about anything you can put a logo on!

Sam will be running the business full-time, with Runa initially helping out on a part-time basis, whilst caring for the couple’s three year old twins, Arun and Ria.  

Sam said: “We wanted to run a business that we could both enjoy working in. We looked at franchising and decided that it would be a good option for us, less risky and we would have more support.”

Sam has worked in Birmingham for most of his life; his last role was a self-employed IT contractor for an engineering consultancy for nine years.  Runa was an accounts assistant for a major pharmaceutical company in Coventry, and will be looking after the business accounts as well as networking.

The pair came across Recognition Express, Europe’s leading supplier of corporate gifts, promotional products and branded clothing, and “just felt really comfortable” with the idea of running their own Recognition Express franchise. Initially they will run the business from their home, taking advantage of Recognition Express extensive manufacturing facilities while next year the plan is to take on their own premises in Birmingham.

Runa said: “Recognition Express has been around for over 30 years and has developed a winning formula.  We were encouraged by the fact that every franchise is different because the individual owners decide the areas they want to specialise in.  We liked that element of flexibility, which means we can make the business how we want it to be.”

Nigel Toplis, Managing Director of Recognition Express said: “Recognition Express is in the business of helping companies in Birmingham, Tamworth and the surrounding areas to promote themselves and keep their businesses competitive during this difficult economic climate. Sam and Runa have all the necessary qualities to make their business a big success and they can rely on the support of our organisation to help them get there.”