"A Card Connection greeting card is now being sold every two seconds in the UK and Ireland," confirms Vincent, previously a territory manager with Interflora. "In-fact, as a nation we now buy more greeting cards per capita than teabags! As one of Country's top ten card publishers the Company is realising continuing growth in this exciting market and I am delighted to be in a position to assist its franchisees to reach even greater sales success in the future."

"We are particularly pleased that Doreen has decided to join us to support our franchisees in achieving increased revenues from their businesses," confirms Dave Galvin, Card Connection's senior business development manager. "Her background and experience gained in previous organisations such as Littlewoods, Walkers and Interflora will prove invaluable in helping both new and existing franchisees exploit un-tapped outlets to sell Card Connection's product."

A full member of the British Franchise Association, Card Connection now has more than 100 franchisees specialising in supplying greeting cards on a consignment basis to almost 17,000 retail outlets countrywide. Customers include convenience stores, sub post offices and petrol station forecourts. In addition, Card Connection supplies numerous national accounts, which include the likes of Sainsbury?s Local, Somerfield, Budgens, Londis, Spar and Shell.

"I believe the fact that we have achieved such substantial turnover figures solely through our franchise distribution network underlines not only the quality of our product but is a testament to hard work and continued dedication of our franchisees and staff during 2005," confirms Galvin. "And we are very much looking forward to what cards next year's hand will deal us!" he concludes.