The month in numbers a snapshot of the

THIS MONTH IN NUMBERS 44

The number of pallets featuring new and unused toys sent out by MGA Entertainment and Zapf Creation to support local and national charities, hospices, hospitals and schools in a preChristmas charity drive. They also delivered hampers to the good causes. Michelle Lilley, UK & Ireland marketing director of MGA Entertainment UK, said: “This year has been tough for many families due to the cost-of-living crisis. We want every child to have a special Christmas this year, and that’s why we have partnered with so many brilliant charities whose sole aim is to make this happen. We hope our donations help the inspiring people who commit their whole year to looking after children and families.”

The month in numbers Some of the past month’s news highlights as offered up by the Toys n Playthings newsflash and more. To sign up for daily bulletins, go to www.toysnplaythings.media

26 the percentage increase in turnover at the Character Group plc, which saw a rise to £176.4m (2021: £140.0m) and delivered a profit before tax of £11.4m. Strong performing brands included Goo Jit Zu. Jerry Healy, group marketing director said: “Trading conditions have been undeniable tough in the latter part of 2022 but we have ended the year strong. We now move into 2023 with exciting new in-house brands and distributor product lines, which we look forward to previewing to the trade during the London Toy Fair in January including: ■ New products under our multiterritory Stretch Armstrong umbrella, including Star Wars and Transformers; ■ The new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles collection from Playmates International, to coincide with a Turtles movie to be released in 2023. ■ The distribution of exciting toy ranges from Bonkers Toys based on the Aphmau and Lanky Box brands. “With the strength of our current 939 54 offering and the recent recovery in margins, we look forward to working with our customers and distributors as we move into 2023.” SEVEN the number of prestigious awards that the number of pieces in the Spin Master picked up for its products LEGO Wildflower Bouquet the number of good causes in 2022, alongside six toys in the offering, the latest addition, and charities helped by DreamToys list. alongside a Dried Flower the Toy Trust in 2022. The Spin Master cited its strong Dream Toys Centrepiece, to its Botanical organisation handed out performance, with a trio (Sink N’ Sand, Collection for adult fans. It’s more than £200,000 to Gabby’s Dollhouse and Paw Patrol Big Truck due to launch on 1 February, children’s charities last year. Pups Deluxe Vehicles) in the top 13 and a in time for Valentine’s Day… It’s now gearing up for its further three (Stitch ‘N Style Fashion Studio, Senior design manager at 2023 activity, including its Purse Pets and Fur Fluffs) in the overall listing. the LEGO Group, May Mayhem initiative. The company performed equally well

Jamie Berard, said: In its review of the past in awards, with four at the Right Start “We want the two new sets we’re launching today to help people ‘grow closer’. Whether year’s activity, the Toy Trust said: “Throughout 2022, The Toy Trust has continued Awards (Paw Patrol Sparks The Dragon, Paw Patrol Rescue Knights Castle, Hatchimals and Kinetic Sand Treasure that’s buying the set for a loved one for an on its mission to provide Hunt). Paw Patrol Trucks picked up a occasion such as Mother’s Day or Valentine’s support to children’s charities brace at the Made For Mum Awards, with Day, or at any other point in the year just as a little thank you. Why not give a longer-lasting throughout the UK, bringing relief to children and their families most in need. one for Gabby’s Purrfect Dollhouse. Stefania Scardaccione, UK marketing director at Spin Master, said, “We’re over LEGO plant and get to spend some valuable “We are proud to have the moon to be rounding off the year time building it together? We know the joy supported a wide range with a host of top awards for some of that plants can bring to people and our of inspiring initiatives and projects covering all areas our most popular brands. It’s an honour to see our products being recognised growing LEGO Botanical Collection has been of the UK, all with the by industry leaders and we’re thrilled to created with that in mind. Plants are a great aim of bettering the lives be continuing to bring innovation and way to bring people together, and show our appreciation for one another.” of disadvantaged and disabled children.” imagination to the market.”