Career
Hoyle founded the, a chain of greetings cards and gift stores, in 1997. As of 2009, the company had 500+ shops, employing over 5,000 people. Hoyle confirmed the sale of the to Venture Capitalist Charterhouse was finally completed on 9 April 2010.
The terms of the deal were not disclosed but financial commentators put the final selling price at in excess of £350m and would maintain a role in the business as Non-Executive Chairman.
Hoyle is a lifelong F.C. supporter. He joined the board of on 10 April 2008 and took over as chairman, and majority shareholder, of the Club on 3 June 2009.
The outgoing chairman, Ken Davy, retains a minority holding.
