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Brothers receive Golden Teddy Awards

The BTHA (British Toy & Hobby Association) recently presented two Golden Teddy Awards to brothers Paul and Mark Collinson, at a special ‘Northern Toy Boys’ event held in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, where they are based.

Launched in 2001, the Golden Teddy Awards were created to reward individuals who have served the toy industry for more than 15 years. They are designed to ‘recognise ordinary people with extraordinary talents, who go over and above expectations’. Winners are announced by the BTHA at special events up to three times a year. Nominees need a proposer and a seconder, and all nominations are considered on their merits by a BTHA committee, which considers nominees who possess a degree of ‘niceness, honesty and integrity’. Nominees can work in any sector of the toy industry, in any capacity.

Paul and Mark have worked in the toy industry for more than 40 years and have represented companies including Funko and VTech. They were described by their proposers and seconders as loyal, well principled, highly respected by all they work with and ‘true unsung heroes of the industry’.

Mark said: “We are both truly humbled to receive our BTHA Golden Teddy Awards. It’s not like us to shout about our work, but we are at the end of our careers now and have been proud to work as part of this ever-changing but amazing industry over many years. Thank you to the BTHA for this special recognition.”

Toys R Us names first

senior hire in UK

Toys R Us has announced its first senior appointment in the UK.

Mike Coogan has joined the retailer as marketing and e-commerce director. With 27 years of experience within the former Toys R Us UK operation, his role includes the development and management of ecommerce and marketing teams. Mike will be assisting Toys R Us and Babies R Us to establish UK operations over coming weeks.

Dr Louis Mittard, CEO and managing director of Toys R Us ANZ, said: “Mike brings an intimate understanding of the Toys R Us and Babies R Us brands within the UK toy and baby retail context, and a track record for driving growth and maximising return on investment.”

Recently, Dr Louis Mittard talked to TnP about plans for Toys R Us and Babies R Us to return to the UK in 2022, with dedicated websites in the first phase. The company is in discussions with a large number of existing and new employees, suppliers and service partners and has a dedicated ‘Supplier Expression of Interest’ page set up for potential partners to register their interest at http://eepurl.com/ hL38FL

MGA Entertainment names new marketing director

MGA Entertainment (MGAE) has announced the promotion of Michelle Lilley to marketing director UK and Ireland. Michelle previously held the role of head of marketing for Little Tikes. As MGA UK’s marketing director, Michelle will lead all UK brand marketing teams, which include brands such as L.O.L. Surprise!, Little Tikes, Rainbow High, and Na! Na! Na! Surprise. Her primary objective will be to focus on building core business strategies and leading the charge to turn these strategies into compelling product lines, launches and business-building communications. Michelle’s passion for the industry began more than 20 years ago, when she worked for three years in a Toymaster [store] while balancing her studies. Since then, her experience has been rooted in consumer goods marketing, and the new role follows her time at Little Tikes, where she rose through the ranks from marketing manager to head of marketing. MGA Entertainment MD Neil Bandtock said: “We have no doubt that Michelle’s strategic, experienced approach will help us to build on the success of 2021 and deliver a record 2022.”

Fanattik appoints new creative director

Pop culture brand Fanattik, a licensing partner for Hasbro, Universal Studios, Capcom, Bethesda, Studio Canal, Konami and many more leading video game and film studios, has appointed Melissa Tudor as creative director.

Fanattik managing director Anthony Marks said: “Melissa has been with Fanattik for more than three years, helping to shape our creative team - which in turn has made Fanattik into a fanfavourite brand within the world of pop culture.”

Her promotion comes at the end of a year which has seen phenomenal growth for the gift and collectable manufacturer and sees it in good stead for 2022, which is the company’s selfproclaimed ‘Year of Export’.

The award-winning firm supplies retailers throughout the UK, Europe and beyond with products from SpongeBob SquarePants bottle openers to Jurassic Park playing cards.

Halilit is starting off 2022 with the addition of two new members of staff, expanding its rapidly growing team.

Marjo Cako joins the company as logistics and demand planner, while Damien Leahy bolsters the sales team as key account manager. These appointments follow the recent recruitment of Adam Wale as e-commerce manager. All roles are newly formed at a time of growth for the preschool specialist toy supplier.

Halilit sales manager Amy Wildman commented: “Despite the challenges of the past couple of years, Halilit has experienced a fantastic trading period, partially due to the variety in nature of our customers, the acquisition of Dodo puzzles, and also the excellent reputation that our brands have with consumers. We’re thrilled to have such talent joining us, to help with our ambitious growth plans over the next few years.”

The trio join Halilit at an exciting time for the firm. This month sees Halilit unveil refreshed branding, while development is under way for a new trade ordering platform, which will allow retailers to log in and see what’s new, what’s hot and to place reorders.

Amy added: “Alongside revitalising our online access for trade customers, Adam will be busy ensuring that customers with their own web presence have access to the very best, optimised content, while Marjo brings a wealth of experience in planning and analysis - skills that have become all the more critical amidst longer shipping and lead times. Damien joins us with a fantastic reputation in the industry and is looking forward to getting in touch with his customers to see how he can help grow brands such as Halilit music and Taf Toys.’’

Adam Wale

Damien Leahy

Marjo Cako

Queen recognises CMC director

Children’s Media Conference (CMC) editorial director Greg Childs has been awarded an OBE for Services to International Trade and the Children’s Media Sector in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours List.

The award was presented to Greg in recognition of his considerable contribution to children’s media throughout his career, which started at the BBC where he worked for 27 years primarily as a director, producer and executive producer of children’s programmes including Play School and Record Breakers.

Greg created the first Children’s BBC websites, and became Head of Children’s Digital and Deputy Commissioner for Children’s BBC.

In 2004, Greg was invited by Kathy Loizou to join her in setting up a conference for children’s media professionals in Sheffield – the first of its kind in the UK.

The Children’s Media Conference (CMC) now regularly welcomes 1,200 delegates to Sheffield. More than 200 speakers contribute to the event and all the content is produced by industry volunteers. As editorial director of CMC, Greg is responsible for the content it offers the industry. At the same time he provides behind-the-scenes support to companies and freelancers finding their way in the children’s content market.

Orchard Toys bids farewell to agent

Peter Neate has retired after 40 years of service as Orchard Toys’ agent for the North of England.

Peter commented: “Orchard have always been a pleasure to work for. They were the first agency I took on and the last one I still had. For me, the greatest asset working with Orchard was that the customers were always pleased to see me, as they invariably needed restocking!

“I’m looking forward to playing golf again, volunteering for the local Woodland Trust, spending time with my family, and studying the form of horses more - which has been a passion of mine for many years. I wish Orchard Toys every success in the future.”

Obituary: Margaret Goldie

Midlands agent John Nicholas writes: “I am sad to report the passing of Margaret Goldie: one of the best independent retailers in the Midlands during the ‘70s, ‘80s, and ‘90s.

In her prime Margaret had a large shop in the Coventry precinct and in the days when toy companies used to encourage shopkeepers to have window displays she always seemed to be a prize winner. I think it was her Care Bear window that won her a new Austin Mini car!

She and her first assistant Carole used to come down to Toy Fair and stay in a nice flat close to Earl’s Court and on the Wednesday evening of the Fair had a super party with reps and agents, plus other retailer friends. It was a privilege to be invited.

She was an excellent buyer of toys and backed her judgement with some really good orders.

She was a really lovely lady who had been ill for over a year. Her husband Ben died earlier in 2021. Happy memories Margaret, R.I.P.’’

Fence Club update

The festive season got into full swing last month with the return of the much-loved Fence Club Christmas Party at The Marriot Hotel in London’s Grosvenor Square.

The Fence Club is a charity founded by members of the toy trade, which raises money for children’s charities.

This key social event in the industry’s calendar proved to be a great success, with the evening enjoyed by more than 40 Fence Club members and their guests, and raising over £25,000 through a raffle and auction. The night also marked the start of David Bramford’s year as chair of the Fence Club.

The entertainment included the Jersey Boys, who arrived from their West End show.

The next Fence Club party will be held during Toy Fair on January 26 at the Sheraton Grand Park Lane Hotel.