January 19, 2009 // Franchising.com // Leading greeting card publisher and franchisor, Card Connection, has today announced that its franchise director, Andrew Cutler has taken over the added responsibility for sales and national accounts at the company. Andrew, who currently works with Card Connection's franchisees to grow the profitability of their individual businesses, now also takes over the management and development of the company's national account network which includes the likes of Netto, Budgens, Londis, Spar and Shell.
"Andrew joined the company earlier this year," confirms Robina Every, managing director of Card Connection, "and his extensive experience in the industry means he is well placed to drive growth in our franchisees' businesses and further develop our national account network for the benefit of the company as a whole."
Before joining Card Connection Cutler held senior positions in a number of organisations including the luxury goods franchising sector. He explains: "One of the keys to the profitability and growth of Card Connection's franchises is the strength of our national account network. Although our independent retail customers are particularly important, volume sales come from large, chain outlets and leads into these types of stores are key business opportunities for our franchisees.
"One of the advantages of the greeting card market is that it is essentially a recession proof industry," continues Cutler. "However, with tough economic times anticipated for sometime to come it is essential we continue to provide the highest quality merchandising service to our valued national retail customers. I will be working closely with our franchisees in the coming months to implement strategies to further improve our services which will provide financial benefits to both retailers and our franchisees alike."
Card Connection itself is one of the UK's largest card publishers and is the market leader in the franchised distribution of greeting cards. Using a proven system, franchisees place greeting card ranges in retail outlets on a 'consignment' basis. The award winning merchandising service provided to retailers by local franchisees is second to none and has established the company's excellent reputation especially within the convenience sector.
Card Connection has limited vacancies for franchisees who are keen to run an expanding business. Successful candidates would ideally have some management experience as, once established, they would be expected to employ a small team, operate a warehouse and have several liveried vans on the road.
Because the franchise networks in the UK and Ireland are complete, the available opportunities now consist of acquiring an already-established territory from an existing franchisee. These vary in price according to their level of development, but start at £20,000 (+ stock) with earnings potential in excess of £50,000 per annum.
Card Connection is one of the UK's most successful card publishers and is the market leader in the franchised distribution of greeting cards.
The company was established in 1992 and became a Full Member of the British Franchise Association in 1995. It now distributes greeting cards to around 15,000 outlets through its network of franchisees.
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