Card Factory founder for 'Mafia' conference

Dean Hoyle, the entrepreneur who built a retail empire from the back of a van, is to share his experience at a rare public appearance next year.
By The Newsroom
Published 18th Nov 2010, 11:36 BST
Updated 18th Nov 2010, 11:36 BST

Mr Hoyle will take part in the Billion Pound Panel at The Yorkshire Mafia Conference, a free business event taking place in Leeds in March.

He started selling greetings cards with his wife in 1993 and this year sold the Card Factory business, which has nearly 500 stores and 4,000 staff, for a reputed 350m.

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Mr Hoyle, the chairman of Huddersfield Town FC, said: "I am really excited and honoured to be a part of the first Yorkshire Mafia Conference – it promises to be one of the biggest events in the region's business calendar.

"I believe that the Yorkshire region is a real hub for businesses, which is why we are so proactive on this side of the football club's commercial operation.

"As such, it is fitting that Huddersfield Town is a partner of the Yorkshire Mafia Conference. I hope I can help out some local entrepreneurs and business people with advice taken from my own career and experiences."

Mr Hoyle became chairman of Huddersfield in June 2009 before becoming sole owner in March.

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Danny Matharu, of Birstall-based event organisers Hillrich, said: "Dean is a true entrepreneur and a perfect choice for our Billion Pound Panel. He's a Yorkshire man who started his business with very little and grafted his way to achieve astonishing success."

He added: "Dean agreeing to be involved is a real coup for us, as he simply doesn't do public outings. The delegates at The Yorkshire Mafia Conference will identify with Dean and be inspired by him – I know I certainly am."

The Billion Pound Panel will be run in the style of BBC's Question Time and will feature other entrepreneurs alongside Mr Hoyle.

Organisers expect more than 1,000 people to attend the networking event. It will offer a full day of business seminars and 78 exhibitors.

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The Yorkshire Mafia started as a group on the online business networking site, LinkedIn, in November 2008.It was founded by Geoff Shepherd, founder of Demanding People, a Leeds-based executive recruitment firm. It now has more than 4,500 members, growing at around 150 members each week.

More details at www.theyorkshiremafiaconference.com

Related topics:Card FactoryLeedsYorkshireLinkedIn