Leading greeting card publisher, Card Connection has today announced that it has recruited an additional business development manager to support its network of franchisees. Darren Hawkins will now be responsible for helping Card Connection’s Midlands and South Wales franchisees grow and develop their businesses.

“We

are delighted to welcome Darren Hawkins to our team,” confirms Michael Johnson, managing director, Card Connection. “Darren has worked in franchising for the past ten years and was previously business development officer for Revive! Auto Innovations. He also has experience working for other van based franchises including the likes of Service Master. Darren’s knowledge of the sector makes him ideally placed to provide valuable support to our franchisees to enable them to optimise the profitability of their respective franchises.

“The new role which has been created now means that we have further improved the ratio of business development managers to our franchisees,” continues Johnson. “We anticipate this additional support will have a positive impact on the network as a whole.”

“I am excited to be joining such an established brand and a leading industry player,” confirms Darren Hawkins. “The Card Connection product range is ‘on trend’ and the quality and diversity of greeting cards and accessories is impressive. This, combined with the professionalism and enthusiasm of the whole team, means I am very much looking forward to ‘getting on the road’ and helping the franchisee grow their individual businesses.”

Card Connection is one of the UK’s largest card publishers and is the market leader in the franchised distribution of greeting cards. The Business’ unique model of consignment sales has resulted in a strong brand and established reputation which has been proven over many years and in 2013 Card Connection celebrated its 21st year in operation as a franchisor. Through its franchisees Card Connection supplies about 12,000 retailers throughout the UK.