2020 will go down in history for how Covid-19 created hardship for people all over the world.In adversity, many found a new inner strength to affect big changes in their own lives and in their communities, none more so than the nation’s favourite, Sir Tom Moore. He raised millions and inspired us with his quote,… Read more »

What do Bournemouth, Plymouth, Ayr & Oldham all have in common? Give up? These are franchise areas that are currently for sale by greeting card franchisor Card Connection.  All these territories grew between 6% right up to an amazing 32% during the last year. On top of seeing thriving new business gains in 2020, the… Read more »

As a writer of articles on franchising for the Daily Mail and many other publications, Linda Whitney points out in her recent ‘What Franchise’ article that the franchise sector is well known for weathering economic storms. She also highlights that the changes brought about in 2020 by the global pandemic has thrown up winners and… Read more »

As we try to put as much joy back into the Covid affected Christmas, the recyclability of Christmas giftwrap is again in the spotlight.It’s true that there are some types of giftwrap that are printed on a plastic film, or on paper that uses shiny foils and sparkly glitters, but we use none of these… Read more »

Colin and Penny Ellis have been with Card Connection for over 5 years and are still pushing the boundaries of what can be achieved from a well-run, established business. In the past year, with all the challenges that COVID has thrown their way, they have still managed to grow their area by almost 8%. Much… Read more »

Successful franchising is built on the teamwork between hardworking, enterprising franchisees and the well-proven business models from established franchisors. However, many franchisees have also built their success on another form of teamwork that’s much closer to home. “Going into business with a partner or other family member offers immediate benefits, “explains Michael Johnson, managing director… Read more »

A recent piece in What Franchise magazine pointed out that 4 in 10 franchises can be run from the comfort of your own home. In the article, Frank Miller of Tudor Doctors points out several of the key benefits: • LOWER SET UP COSTS & OVERHEADS – The financial efficiencies are many. No extra rent…. Read more »

With the Covid 19 pandemic threatening to drive a huge wedge between us all this Christmas, taking the time to send a personally hand-written Christmas card is an opportunity we really shouldn’t miss. Recently, BBC Business reported Howard Mustoe pulled together a number of different opinions on the subject.“The very act of putting pen to… Read more »

In a post-Covid world, redundancy is sadly more likely for many people. However, as one door closes, another new one can open. Franchising can be a key to unlocking that door, allowing you to invest in a bright new future. “Franchising might not be the first option that springs to mind if you’re facing redundancy… Read more »

Coronavirus has led to marked changes in people’s behaviour and this extends even to the greeting cards they are choosing to send. “We’ve seen some very obvious changes,” confirms Kelly Courtenay, Creative Director of greeting cards publisher Card Connection. “Lockdown and social distancing means people are thinking much more deeply about relationships with their friends… Read more »

Offered for sale is the Card thriving Connection franchise territory of Oldham. Oldham is a town in Greater Manchester, amid the Pennines and between the rivers irk and Medlock. It has a population of 230,800Boasting a current turnover of over of £82k, With an attractive combination of rural and urban customers, the business is centred… Read more »

Offered for sale is this exclusive Card Connection territory with a current turnover of over £68k. Taking in profitable locations either side of the Firth of Forth, this newly independent Card Connection territory has been created from a previously larger territory. Its compact size covers 78 trading outlets, including names like Spar, BP Simply Fresh,… Read more »

Looking for the perfect business? Card Connection has a solution, a great opportunity to supply greetings cards and accessories to retail outlets within our Bournemouth Territory, which is now for sale.Bournemouth is a large coastal resort town on the south coast of England directly to the east of the Jurassic Coast. Bournemouth was voted the… Read more »

Offered for sale is this exclusive Card Connection owned territory with a current turnover of over £79k generated from over 115 outlets. There is a good balance of National Accounts and independent stores which includes well-known brands like Costcutter, Booker and Central Stores to name but a few. Plymouth is a vibrant waterfront city and… Read more »

According to a recent What Franchise.Com article, both Plymouth and Edinburgh are judged to be amongst in the Top 10 places in the country to start up a business. That’s brilliant news for the astute buyers who are quick to snap up one of these two Card Connection greeting card franchise territories that are currently… Read more »

When Kochchu Udayan took on a new career challenge by purchasing the greeting card franchise for Chesterfield back in July 2019 he did so because he actually wanted to work less! “I’d run a convenience store for 4 years with my wife Gemma, but this was in addition to a chilled food delivery business which… Read more »

For sale is this exclusive Card Connection territory with a current turnover of over £68k. Situated at the heart of Scotland, it incorporates the busy towns of Falkirk and Grangemouth and further North, the thriving cities of Stirling, Perth and Dundee. Travelling West it takes in Drymen, Loch Lomond and East Dunfermline. A together a… Read more »

If there’s a blueprint of how to get to grips with a new business challenge, Kirikaran Navaratnam definitely has a copy. Kiri’s first step in becoming one of the greeting card publishers top franchisees was by helping out the areas previous franchisee. This was to prove the ultimate ‘try before you buy’ experience, when in… Read more »

In these socially distance times, The Greeting Card Association’s Thinking of You Week, now in its seventh Year, seems more relevant than ever before!The very act of taking time to choose a card, write it and send it, makes the person receiving it feel far more special and cared about than receiving a text, email… Read more »

Offered for sale is this exclusive Card Connection territory with a current turnover of over £68k. Taking in profitable locations either side of the Firth of Forth, this newly independent Card Connection territory has been created from a previously larger territory. Its compact size covers 78 trading outlets, including names like Spar, BP Simply Fresh,… Read more »

In 2019, Liverpool FC came 2nd in the Premier League and Card Connection franchisee Vinny Robinson also made it a 2nd, when he purchased the Liverpool franchise territory, too.“Back in 1997 I owned a convenience store in Liverpool, and stocked Card Connection cards, which always seemed to sell well. The Liverpool franchisee at the time… Read more »

“My father, Bob, bought this Card Connection territory way back in 2006,” smiles a nostalgic Simon Parker. They ran the area as a family affair until 2014, when Simon took over the reins, deciding to keep things in the family, Simon had been running a Post Office which he closed last year. He immediately looked… Read more »

A crisis has a way of bringing out the best in some people. Greeting Card Publishers Card Connection are proud to extend that accolade to every one of their franchisees and members of staff across the UK and Ireland. Quick to adaptThe shock of lockdown left many companies like rabbits caught in the headlights. Not… Read more »

Linda Whitney writes about six ways a franchise can help you survive the peaks and troughs of being your own boss.

When David & Sherran Patient took over the Card Connection franchise for Chelmsford, they already had a head start. As ex-retailers themselves, they knew the challenges their customers faced. Plus having stocked Card Connection’s greeting cards as ex-customers, they knew the range and had total confidence in the product they would be supplying. Offer highest… Read more »

Offered for sale is this exclusive Card Connection territory with a current turnover of over £68k. Taking in profitable locations either side of the Firth of Forth, this newly independent Card Connection territory has been created from a previously larger territory. Its compact size covers 78 trading outlets, including names like Spar, BP Simply Fresh,… Read more »

Pip Wilkins, CEO of the British Franchise Association, gives her top points you should consider.  The following article appeared in the May 2020 issue of Business Franchise. Franchising presents variety of business opportunities across an eclectic mix of industries, with more than 900 brands using the model in the UK, so there is something for… Read more »

Individual countries have celebrated friendship days since the 1930s, but in 2011 The United Nations created the first International Day of friendship. Now, as we approach the 10th anniversary of this beautiful celebration, what better time to get involved?  Though social media has in some ways shrunk the world, nothing beats the very real personal… Read more »

Linda Whitney writing about financing which appeared in What Franchise.                    The economic picture is changing all the time.  Many lenders are likely to have been in the same position, but hopefully lending has resumed.  they will be happy to tell you and give advice about when… Read more »