Card Connection’s IT Manager for the past 10 years, John Byett, has become a franchise owner and taken over the Basingstoke and Windsor area. Byett will now supply and merchandise over 130 retail outlets in the area with Card Connection’s range of more than 1,500 greeting cards and gifts.

Byett said: “Working in Card Connection’s head office has allowed me to understand the advantages of running a franchise business and when the Basingstoke and Windsor territory became available, the opportunity was too good to miss. I felt running a Card Connection franchise would be the change from office life that I was looking for I also knew that I could make a good living.

“My experience as IT Manager will also be helpful. For example, I implemented the electronic hand-held terminal system for Card Connection franchise owners, which allows them to calculate stock levels automatically onsite. I have also already programmed my satellite navigation with all my retail customers’ locations, so I can be efficient as possible with call routes. In addition, I will be able to use my knowledge of IT to allow me to analyse stock levels on displays to help supply the optimum me analyse stock levels on displays to help supply the optimum mix of products merchandised and therefore increase the profitability of the business.”


Andrew Cutler, Sales and Franchise Director of Card Connection, said: “Over the years John has made a significant contribution to the company and we are delighted he has chosen to take up a new challenge by becoming a franchise owner. However, John is not the first employee who has swapped his office desk for life on the road. He follows in the footsteps of several other staff members who have also made new and successful careers out of franchising with Card Connection.”

Published: 21 March 2011

Back to news