AN up-and-coming Worcester-shire company is hoping to exterminate the opposition after winning the contract to supply thousands of pounds of Dr Who merchandise.

Paul Boerck, who has acquired the Hereford and Worcester franchise of Recognition Express, based in Droitwich, supplied Dalek mousemats, tardis mugs and a whole host of branded goods for an exhibition.

Mr Boerck said: "It's a nice concept and it gives you a lot of credibility to work with

the BBC.

"Normally, summer can be slow but I had a very busy one, and now I'm busy again as companies want to give away gifts to their clients."

Mr Boerck usually works with business-to-business customers, supplying gifts such as badges, mugs and pens to companies that give them away free to their clients to keep their name in the public eye.

The former direct marketing salesman was doing business with a firm that owns Brighton Pier when, at the height of Dr Who mania earlier this year, it decided to put on an exhibition. I was asked to supply them with Dr Who pens, rulers, rubbers, mousemats and mugs - the sort of thing that's cheap enough for children to buy.

"It wasn't exactly my core business, but it was quite involved because they had to show all the artwork and designs to the BBC first before they could go in the shops, and then it was quite a quick turnaround."

Mr Boerck's business is now booming thanks, in part, to the £25,000 Dr Who contract. Having started in January with a target turnover of £50,000, he is now on course for £75,000.

He has now scooped the contract to supply Doctor Who merchandise to a space museum in Leicester.

As the only member of staff, it takes a lot of hard work.

"It's a learning curve. I'd had enough of working for other people. Owning a franchise seemed like a great way to become my own boss, providing a support network.

"Recognition Express has a good, established reputation, so when the opportunity arose, I jumped at it."

The company can be contacted on 01905 827390.