When Jonny Masters was 17 yrs old he joined Recognition Express Ltd in Coalville (originally based in Hinckley) as a Production Operative, printing and packing name badges.

Ten years on and Jonny has worked his way through the ranks, in Production, Research and Development, and Franchise Support, to now running his own business.

In 2005 Jonny Masters joined forces with business partner Alex Newman and they decided to take the plunge and take over their first franchise, Recognition Express in Coventry.  The business was very successful, but in November 2006 Jonny decided to sell his share in the business and go it alone, opening his own Hinckley based, Recognition Express Leicester West.

Jonny is well-known amongst other franchisees for his innovative marketing ideas and he scooped a top award at the company’s annual conference last summer for an initiative which he believes helped double his monthly sales figures. Jonny sent a personalised cordless, liquid-filled computer mouse to 50 of his top customers and ever since the business has boomed!

For Christmas 2007 Jonny came up with an environmentally friendly business idea – delivering eco-friendly USB catalogues to his clients by bicycle. Using pedal power he delivered the electronic catalogues to more than 30 different clients and cycling as far afield as Coalville, some 15 miles away! The USB sticks were made of 100% recycled plastic and were not wrapped in plastic or bubble wrap but in shredded paper, in a recyclable aluminium box. Not only did they contain details of Recognition Express products and services, but also had 512mb of additional space for clients to use as they wish.

Nigel Toplis, managing director of Recognition Express, said: “It is a pleasure to have Jonny in the business; he is a creative and hard working young man whose ideas and skills have been ingenious over his ten years with us. Keep up the good work.”

Jonny Masters, owner of Recognition Express Leicester West, said: “Working for Recognition Express has been a challenging but fun experience, it has allowed me to spread my wings and be creative. Who knows where it will take me next.”