Giftware entrepreneur Stephen Haines is pinning his hopes on the charms of a scruffy grey bear with a blue nose after launching it in the United States.

The self-made millionaire, who owns Chichester-based Carte Blanche Greetings, has teamed up with US gift company RUSS Berie to promote the Me to You brand.

RUSS, based in Oaklands, New Jersey, will market and distribute a range of cards, cuddly toys and other gifts featuring the Carte Blanche mascot Tatty Teddy.

Mr Haines said he had been looking for a suitable business partner in the US for two years but was sure America would fall in love with Tatty Teddy.

He said:"By joining with RUSS we have a partner with an excellent worldwide network of retailers and an outstanding record of customer service."

Mr Haines was 23 when he remortgaged his home and sold his motorbike to launch Carte Blanche Greetings in 1987.

The former sales representative was selling a small range of greeting cards out of the boot of his car and calling his kitchen table the office.

Now, following the launch of Me to You in 2001, the company is a global concern.

The company currently sells cards in more than 70 countries, translated into 16 languages.

Me to You has achieved worldwide sales in the region of £250 million.

Last year Mr Haines was named Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year, while Carte Blanche was listed in the Sunday Times Top 100 Fast Track and Profit Track index.

RUSS president and chief executive officer Andy Gatto said: "We're pleased that Carte Blanche is working with us to bring this charming character to the US.

"Tatty Teddy has an irresistible charm that will add many Americans to the millions of fans around the world who have embraced this little bear."

He added: "If the early response is any indication, Tatty Teddy is a sure winner."

Besides a plush version of Tatty Teddy, RUSS will distribute key chains, frames, pins, memo holders, and photo clip figurines.

June 22, 2005