Nigel's Blog

Ten rules to ensure you get the most from an exhibition

21/11/2011

Ten rules to ensure you get the most from an exhibition Site – make sure your stand is on a footfall crossroads Dress your stand – to attract the public Maximum 2 clear messages on main display Messages to be benefits not features Separate displays for secondary..... Read Full Article on "Ten rules to ensure you get the most from an exhibition"

10 Commandments for Companies Planning to Franchise Their Business

09/11/2010

I've been in B2B and specifically in franchising for more than 16 years and I've seen a lot of people try to get into franchising and fail - not because their idea of their product was poor, but simply because they had no concept of the franchising environment. So I thought, why not p..... Read Full Article on "10 Commandments for Companies Planning to Franchise Their Business"

Where's the sanity?

27/10/2010

It's great isn't it listening to the TV and the radio, reading the papers - one expert after another; one politician after another: Cut more - Cut less Spend more - Spend less Don't cut my department - cut theirs Where's the sanity? Let's deal with some facts:..... Read Full Article on "Where's the sanity?"

Surviving in a recession

19/10/2010

Well we've got 'Gorgeous George Osborne' (GG to his friends) on Wednesday and no doubt all his initiatives will be responded to in the typical British 'we don't like change' manner. - You can't cut the police - think of the crime - Get rid of nurses and health ca..... Read Full Article on "Surviving in a recession"

Top Ten Tips for the Corporate Christmas Gift Buyer

04/10/2010

Those of you who know me well, know that I "don't do Christmas!". However, I am aware that in the corporate world Christmas can be just as stressful! Therefore, we have put together these top tips for the corporate Christmas gift buyer: Did you know that an individual gi..... Read Full Article on "Top Ten Tips for the Corporate Christmas Gift Buyer"

Marketing in a recession

22/09/2010

Am I just getting grumpy in my old age or is everyone thoroughly fed up with phone calls from people trying to sell space in magazines, directories and the press? I have been running businesses for many years and I remember previous recessions and I tell you what - there is marketing and then..... Read Full Article on "Marketing in a recession"

Fundraising Ideas

15/09/2010

I was talking to some people the other day about my forthcoming trek up Mount Kilimanjaro for charity. They thought I was absolutely mad - no contradiction from me there - but I said that the main driving force was yes a desire to challenge myself but more so I wanted to raise a meaningful su..... Read Full Article on "Fundraising Ideas"

How to promote your business

07/09/2010

After 30 years in business Recognition Express has a huge level of experience in the field. Promotional products are probably the single most effective means of creating brand awareness, when used in conjunction with direct marketing. < You can target exactly who you send the pro..... Read Full Article on "How to promote your business"

Promoting your Business

31/08/2010

As the managing director of Europe's leading supplier of corporate gifts and promotional incentives I often get asked, "What is the best way to promote my business?" So here are some of my top tips! Sustainable business growth only comes to those companies who continuously a..... Read Full Article on "Promoting your Business"

Selecting a Franchise Opportunity

24/08/2010

Selecting the right franchise opportunity is a subject I often get asked about. As a result, I have put this list of key questions together to help people who are considering franchising: - Why do I want to run a business? Personal ambition, getting just reward for effort, attaining greater..... Read Full Article on "Selecting a Franchise Opportunity"

Who suits franchising?

16/08/2010

Franchise Owners come from a wide range of backgrounds and experience. Running a franchise is conducive to a variety of transferable skills, including project management, marketing, operations and sales, and the franchisor is there to help if you need to boost any skill sets.  Franchise ..... Read Full Article on "Who suits franchising?"

What is a Franchise?

19/07/2010

Nigel Toplis, managing director of Recognition Express and past chairman of the British Franchise Association, explains the increasing appeal of franchising. It can be argued that franchising is neither an industry in its own right nor in fact a business. Rather, it is one of the fastest ..... Read Full Article on "What is a Franchise?"

Things to look for in a franchisor’s marketing package

07/07/2010

 The most successful franchise businesses rely on two key aspects of business management: sales activity and marketing activity. Sales activity is short term – instant response – and includes things such as networking, gaining referrals, dealing one-to-one with customers..... Read Full Article on "Things to look for in a franchisor’s marketing package"