WELCOME ALL
The best Tuesday of the year is here, and we are so pleased to be spending it with you – over 1,200 of you to be more precise - and you all look fabulous.
Each and every one of you in The Great Room tonight plays an important part in keeping the wheels of our industry turning – and tonight you all get the chance to celebrate the achievements of the past year with your colleagues, friends and peers.
Emerging from the thousands of entries received for The Licensing Awards are 313 finalists, with 31 shiny trophies ready to be handed out. This evening is all about celebrating everything that is great about our vibrant sector – the innovation and passion, the forward thinking and tenacity, the retail excellence, the newcomers just starting out and an individual who has devoted many years to the licensing industry, inspiring many along the way.
Over the past few months The Licensing Awards has taken shape with the help of our partners and sponsors, all of whom have been unwavering in their support. Special thanks go to our headline sponsor, Brand Licensing Europe – which has its own celebration going on in a couple of weeks for its 25th anniversary – and our industry trade body, Licensing International.
To get to your seats, you will already have walked our Mattel entranceway and enjoyed the Yellowstone-themed drinks reception, and trust us, there is oh so much more to come this evening.
So charge your glasses and get ready to make Tuesday the best day of your week!
Jakki Brown, Ian Hyder, Samantha Loveday and Rob Willis
The Licensing Awards Team
#licensingawards24
THE HOST WITH THE MOST
Our host for tonight is multi-award nominated comedian Suzi Ruffell is to take charge as host of The Licensing Awards 2024.
Suzi – who follows in the footsteps of Tom Allen, Katherine Ryan and Vernon Kay among others who have hosted the glittering occasion – has appeared on numerous TV shows such as Live At The Apollo, Mock The Week, The Jonathan Ross Show, Dating No Filter, Channel Hopping with Jon Richardson, Alan Davies: As Yet Untitled, The Last Leg, Womanhood and There’s Something About Movies to name but a few.
She was nominated for Outstanding Female Comedy Entertainment Performance in the National Comedy Awards for her hosting duties on Comedy Central’s Yesterday, Today & The Day Before in 2021.
A regular on BBC Radio 4 shows including The News Quiz and The Now Show, Suzi also co-hosts the hit podcast Like Minded Friends with Tom Allen. 2020 saw Suzi launch her own hit podcast series, OUT with Suzi Ruffell, now in its fourth series.
The Licensing Awards are organised by The Licensing Source Book. The Licensing Awards are owned by Max Publishing, an independent company that is owned by Jakki Brown, Ian Hyder, Warren Lomax and Rob Willis. The company owns the Licensing Source Book, Progressive Preschool, Progressive Greetings, Progressive Gifts & Home, Progressive Housewares and Progressive Party magazines and produces the digital newsfeeds LicensingSource.net, PG Buzz.net, Preschoolnews.net, Housewaresnews.net, GiftsandHome.net and PartyWorldwide.net. The company also owns and organises other awards events, namely the Brand & Lifestyle Licensing Awards, Progressive Preschool Awards, The Henries, The Excellence in Housewares Awards, The Greats and The Retas while Progressive Greetings Live exhibition is owned by affiliate company, Max Exhibitions.
Copyright 2024. The publishers cannot accept legal liability for any errors or omissions, nor can they accept responsibility for the standing of advertisers nor any organisation mentioned in the text.
Suzi’s Amazon special Dance Like Everyone Is Watching was released in 2022 to critical acclaim.
Publishers of
Right: Suzi Ruffell will be taking charge as host of tonight’s awards ceremony.
Inset: Last year’s host Tom Allen (centre) with Max Publishing’s (left to right) Samantha Loveday, Rob Willis, Ian Hyder and Jakki Brown.
A Fabulous Charity Raffle
The Light Fund, our industry charity
Every single penny from tonight’s raffle will go to The Light Fund, our industry charity.
Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, The Light Fund is the licensing industry’s registered charity. The ‘Light’ part of the name is an acronym for ‘licensing industry giving help together’ and this is exactly what it does.
Since its inception, The Light Fund has now raised over £2.3 million and has funded well over 200 charity projects, helping men, women and children less fortunate than ourselves, all over the world. www.thelightfund.org
Living The Dream
Kindly donated by Keith Chapman
6Tickets for £20 3 for £10
Abbey Rode!
Kindly donated by Caroline Mickler
Licensing and The State Bicycle Co
This prize will grant you a ticket to ride (and keep) a The State Bicycle Co x The Beatles ‘Abbey Road’ 4130 Road Bike, as well as a bundle of Beatles’ goodies. Capturing the spirit of 1969, paying homage to the iconic Abbey Road album, this remarkable 8-speed retro-inspired road bike is equipped with a premium Brooks saddle and a rear pannier rack.
Dress To Impress
Kindly donated by CAA Brand Management
A fabulous opportunity to treat your family, or a special loved one, to a totally wonderful holiday overseas, with £6,000 of Trailfinders vouchers to bring your dream to life. Where would you go? A trip to a luxury hotel in the Seychelles or Mauritius perhaps? Or a fun journey to New York with Broadway shows and top restaurant experiences on the menu? Or that visit to the Galapagos Islands you always promised yourself… with this prize, it’s your chance to dream because, quite literally, the sky’s the limit!
Holding Your NERF
Kindly donated by Hasbro
Inspired by her grandparents and the influence they had on her aesthetical tastes, actress Reese Witherspoon created the Draper James brand, which exudes classic American style, steeped in Southern charm. You too can dress like the A-lister and add some pretty charm to your home with a £500 voucher to spend on Draper James online.
Enjoy some Nerf Action with four tickets for NERF AX Manchester, in Trafford Palazzo, the first ever NERF family entertainment centre in Europe. The tickets will allow children (aged 5+) and adults to explore multiple immersive and action-packed zones, including Sports@NERF AX, Training Ground, Chaos City and Mission X.
Green Screen
Kindly donated by Universal Products & Experiences
A wonderful opportunity for a private Wicked screening for you (post release) and five friends at Universal’s private screening room in central London. A chance for you to discover the powerful bond of friendship by immersing you and your best friends in the wonderful world of Wicked. Drinks and nibbles will be provided, along with a Wicked goodie bag for each guest.
Wheely Hot
Kindly donated by Mattel
Line Out With England Rugby
Kindly donated by England Rugby
With the Senior Men’s Autumn Internationals around the corner, the new rugby season is gathering pace. This is your chance to get your hands on a special 2024/2025 England Rugby Umbro jersey, signed by the Senior Men’s Team squad.
Blissful Bedroom
Kindly donated by Laura Ashley
Known for timeless designs, signature prints and quintessentially British styles, Laura Ashley has been bringing beauty to homes since 1953. Give your bedroom a welldeserved refresh with a bedding makeover bundle from Laura Ashley. Enjoy a sumptuous new duvet cover in a design and size of your choice, plus all the added extras to make your bedroom a relaxing sanctuary, including a 400 thread count sheet, two additional pillowcases, two decorative cushions and a throw.
You can get all revved up with this prize of four tickets to a Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live ‘Glow n Fire’ Sunday show at any of the UK venues in 2025. This brand new thrill for all of the family will bring everyone's favourite Hot Wheels Monster Trucks to life, combining epic stunts, iconic jumps and a spectacular light show.
Happy Heelflips And Ollies
Kindly donated by SmileyWorld
Bound to bring a smile to your face, you can perform heelflips, ollies, darkslides and nosegrinds in true style on a Braun Bůffel X SmileyWorld skateboard made specifically for the collaboration.
Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!
Kindly donated by Mamma Mia! The Party
This is an ABBA-solutely fantastic prize! You can dance, dine and have the time of your life at Björn Ulvaeus' Mamma Mia! The Party! You will win two Tier
A VIP tickets (best in the house), a seat at the Mamma Mia! The Party performance, a four course Greek feast and a glittering ABBA disco afterwards.
Gucci Gorgeousness
Kindly donated by Penguin Ventures
A magic wish for a high value designer bag will be granted if you win this one. It’s a gorgeous Gucci x Flower Fairies supreme totebag. Crafted in Italy and embodying Gucci's immaculate craftsmanship and finesse, this delightful arm candy features the ever popular Strawberry Thief artwork.
Sporting Chance
Kindly donated by Warner Bros Consumer Products
Get up close to the TNT Sports presentation team, well their handwriting at least, with a limited edition TNT Sports shirt with personally signed autographs from the high profile TNT Sports presenters and pundits.
Purrfect
Artistry
Kindly donated by Sanrio
In a fusion between urban art and traditional sculpture know-how, award winning graffiti artist Jo Di Bona and the Leblon Delienne studio combined their talents to create eight one-off statues of Hello Kitty – and you have a chance of winning one! Made entirely by hand, these exceptional sculptures feature the revered Parisian street artist’s innovative painting and collage techniques to create this true work of artistry.
BEHIND THE SCENES
The Licensing Awards – which are owned and organised by Max Publishing (owners of Licensing Source Book and LicensingSource.net) – recognise and reward excellence across the licensing spectrum.
This covers licensed merchandise, retail execution, licensed property management, marketing and promotions and live events. In addition, it honours special individuals in the business – the Licensing International UK Rising Star shines the spotlight on young licensing professionals aged under 35, while the Honorary Achievement recognises exceptional executives who have contributed greatly to the industry.
The What Kids Love award also returns for the fourth year – the only consumer award in The Licensing Awards, it was launched in collaboration with market research specialist, The Insights Family
The judging process for each of the award categories is different, duly tailored to arrive at the credible finalists and ultimate winners.
Above: The Licensing Awards website contained the wherewithal to enter and nominate for all categories.
Left: The trophies are being buffed and shined ready for the winners to proudly accept.
Arriving At The Finalists
The Product Award categories
Licensees and licensors were invited to enter licensed products that had been launched into UK retail – or significantly updated – in the year from 1 June 2023 to 31 May 2024. Some 3,000 products were entered across the 12 award categories this year.
The entire responsibility of judging the entries into the Product Award categories lay in the collective hands of this year’s judging panel. The only exception to this was the Best Sustainable Licensed Product award, which was judged by a panel including environmental experts, headed by Helena Mansell-Stopher, founder and ceo of Products of Change.
The judges spanned from right across the retail spectrum and from different buying disciplines. The judges included buyers from retailers such as Asda, BargainMax, Calendar Club, Cardfactory, Character.com, DFS, Dobbies Garden Centres, Dunelm, FatFace, Forbidden Planet, HMV, Homebase, Iceland, John Lewis, JoJo Maman Bébé, Lipsy, Longleat, LUSH, Marks and Spencer, Matalan, Moonpig, My 1st Years, New Look, Next, Paultons Park, Primark, Sainsbury’s, Selfridges,
Studio, TJ Morris, Tesco, The Hut Group, The Very Group, The Works, TruffleShuffle, Vanilla Underground and WHSmith
All retailers who are part of the BLE Retail Mentoring Programme were also invited to join the judging panel.
The judging for the product categories took place online over the course of a few weeks. Each judge logged on to consider each entry in every category, with the submissions including several images of the product, as well as key information such as RRPs.
The judges considered the entries against the criteria of the excellence of design, innovation and originality, consumer targeting and quality of manufacture and packaging.
They then individually selected what they deemed were the six best entries in each category. Points were awarded accordingly – six points assigned to the entries each judge felt were the best in the category, down to one point for their sixth choices. The points from all the judges were them amalgamated to arrive at the winner and the finalists for each category.
The Retail Award categories
The finalists in the retail award categories were arrived at as a result of an exhaustive nomination/self-nomination process, with retailers which have excelled in retail delivery of licensed merchandise to the public in the year to 31 May 2024 coming to the fore.
The finalists in the five categories were reached by a dedicated Retail Validation Panel, made up of licensing industry executives from both licensors and licensees, and chaired by Richard Pink, md of Pink Key Licensing.
Above: The 2024 Retail Validation Panel shared the collective responsibility for arriving at this year’s finalists and winners in the retail categories.
The Retail Validation Panel 2024
Jack Allen, Mattel
Sye Austin, CAA Brand Management
Mordy Benaiah, Pyramid International
Anne Bradford, Blues Group
Jason Easy, All3Media
Emily Fawcett, Abysse Corp
Sam Ferguson, Jazwares
Helen Genia, Moonbug Entertainment
Dean Greasley, TDP
Eda Gumish, Somerbond
Julie Kekwick, BBC Studios
Ashley Holman, ToyTopic
Allana Holmes, Hunter Price International
Tim Kilby, Character World Brands
Becky Langston, Universal Products & Experiences
Vicky Miller, Bulldog Licensing
Cat O’Brien, Hasbro
Richard Pink, Pink Key Licensing (chair)
Daniel Prince, Danilo Promotions
Amandine Reid, EXG Pro
Simta Sawhney, Paramount Consumer Products
Anita Serradimigni, Warner Bros. Discovery
Sue Stanley, Bioworld International
Tony Youngman, The Walt Disney Company
(Also present at the meeting, but not voting, were Max Publishing’s Jakki Brown, Ian Hyder, Samantha Loveday and Rob Willis.)
What Kids Love award
For the fourth year running, a consumer award category has joined The Licensing Awards, in collaboration with kids’ market intelligence specialist, The Insights Family
The only consumer accolade in The Licensing Awards, the methodology for What Kids Love is from 31 May 2023 – 31 May 2024 for UK kids aged 3-12, looking at brands with the highest purchase (or purchase intent) related to their favourite characters.
To arrive at the finalists, The Insights Family – which speaks to more than half a million kids and parents every year – polled the kids about their favourite video games, TV shows, movies and YouTubers and whether they have bought – or intend to buy – anything related to them during the period.
The list of purchase options included toys, clothing, books, magazines/comics, board games, food, stationery, stickers, toiletries, collectables, posters, homeware and greeting cards.
Arriving At The Finalists
The Property Award categories
Licensors and brand owners were invited to enter the Best Licensed Property Award categories by making online submissions via the awards’ dedicated website. The submissions demonstrated how well the property has performed over the last year against a set of criteria.
A wide panel of knowledgeable licensees and retailers (from a number of different disciplines) were also invited to give their confidential votes for what they considered to have been the top licensed properties over the last year.
These votes were then validated by industry experts.
The Marketing, Promotions and Live Events awards
Entries for the Best Licensed Retail Marketing Initiative, Best Licensed Promotions Campaign and Best Live Event were submitted via the dedicated award’s website.
They were then considered by members of a judging panel which comprised executives from the promotional, marketing, retailing, licensing and advertising fields.
They considered entries against criteria including the objectives of the promotion, the creative use of licence and the campaign execution.
The Best Live Event award was open to theatrical shows and events, fairground rides or events within paid for experiences.
All entries were considered by a panel of industry experts to arrive at the finalists and winner.
Inset: The judging panel for the Marketing and Promotions awards (left to right) Paul Godwin (consultant); Barbara Robinson (licensing and retail consultant); Gabrielle Sims (Sanderson Design Group); chair Richard Pink (Pink Key Licensing); Talia Tester (Moonbug Entertainment) and Alex Ward (Lime Communications).
THE UK RISING STAR AWARD FINALISTS
Lauren Bath, Marketing Director, Exquisite Gaming
Elizabeth Layte, Buying Manager, Character.com
Naomi Serradimigni, Category Manager, Paramount
Corinne Duckworth, Commercial Executive, Dreamtex
Lauren McHale, Retail and Licensing Manager UK, Netflix
Olivia Wiggett, Licensing Manager, Jazwares
Emily Farrugia, Head of Product Development, WildBrain CPLG
Rossi, Brand Licensing Manager, Tottenham Hotspur
Wright, Brand and Product Development Manager, The Point.1888
Gianluca
Sadie
Hasbro.
Primark
Smyths Toys
Tesco
Marks and Spencer
©&™WarnerBros.Ent.PublishingRights©JKR.(s24)
SUPERMANandallrelatedcharactersandelements©&™DC(s24)
BEST RETAILER OF ADULT LICENSED PRODUCTS
Primark
TescoTruffleShuffle Game Asda
THE RADAR AWARD
OPEN TO: This award is for retailers who have come on the radar on the licensing front as they have considerably upped their licensing activities. This award is for retailing activity for the period 31 May 2023 - 1 June 2024.
RETAIL CATEGORY FINALISTS
BEST OVERSEAS RETAILER
OPEN TO: This award is for retailers of any discipline selling licensed products whose main retailing activity is overseas (ie not in the UK), but which also has a physical or online presence in the UK. It is for retailing activity for the period 31 May 2023 - 1 June 2024.
RETAIL CATEGORY FINALISTS
Aldi Europe
TJX Europe
Pepco Group
BEST LICENSED RETAIL MARKETING INITIATIVE
OPEN TO: This award is for the most creative and effective marketing campaign run in a UK retailer to support a licensed brand or range of licensed products or individual product. The campaign could cover any kind of marketing communication, including all forms of advertising and PR, or any in-store initiative or activation for any licensed brand or licensed product or range of products being sold through a UK retailer - either online or bricks and mortar. The campaign must have appeared in the UK market during the period 31 May 2023 - 1 June 2024. It could have been part of a broader European campaign, but it is the execution on the UK market that is to be judged.
RETAIL CATEGORY FINALISTS
Barbie The Movie Campaign with Zara
Brandalised x Artistry A New Brand On The Block Campaign with B&M
Comic Relief and Aardman Red Nose Day Campaign with TK Maxx/Homesense
LEGO Star Wars May the 4th Campaign with Asda
Shrek In-store Product Takeover with LUSH
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Pizza Tour with Smyths Toys
The World of Peter Rabbit Initiative with JoJo Maman Bébé
The Grinch Christmas Campaign with Primark
BEST LICENSED PROMOTIONS CAMPAIGN
This award is to be presented to the most creative and effective use of a licence in the promotion of another brand or service. The campaign could cover any kind of promotional communication, including TV advertising, poster campaign, on-pack promotion or sponsorship for any product or service related to a brand other than the licensed property itself. It could cover the promotion of a charity. To qualify for inclusion the licence involved had to be promoting the use of another product or service. (Campaigns promoting a range of licensed goods within a retail outlet are covered by the retail awards categories). The campaign must have appeared in the UK market during the period 1 June 2023 - 31 May 2024. It could have been part of a broader European campaign, but it is the execution in the UK market that is judged.
Bing’s Nature Explorers with the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (WWT)
Peppa Pig 20th Anniversary Campaign with The Royal Mail
Cluedo Cooking Sauces Promotion with Premier Foods
Persona 3 Reload Campaign at Ramen Yokocho from Japan Centre Group
Shaun the Sheep The Countryside Code Campaign with Natural England
Care Bears at One Stop Campaign with Young Lives vs Cancer
Crayola Mini Minds Campaign with MINI Electric Car
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE FINALISTS AND WINNERS!
BEST LICENSED LIVE EVENT
This award is for a licensed live event where the public needs to pay to participate, either by paying to enter a venue where the licensed event takes place or to participate directly in the licensed event itself - this includes theatrical shows and events, fairground rides or events within paid for experiences (for example - a licensed area within a theme park). To qualify the live event needs to have been launched/taken place (it must be a new live event or an update to an existing live event) between 1 June 2023 - 31 May 2024.
SPECIAL AWARD CATEGORY FINALISTS
Batman Unmasked Immersive Event from Warner Bros. Discovery
The Paddington
Experience at County
London from The Path Entertainment Group
Charlie & The Chocolate Factory Afternoon Tea Immersive Dining Experience from One Aldwych
The Snowman Afternoon Tea from JW Marriott Grosvenor House London
Stranger Things: The First Shadow Theatrical Production from Sonia Friedman Productions
Beano Goes Wild with ZSL Whipsnade Zoo
Paddington in Concert from RG Live
Peppa Pig Fun Day Out! Touring Live Show from FieryLight
Teletubbies Store Takeover from The Knot Churros
F1 Arcade in Birmingham from Kindred Concepts
Sarah & Duck’s Big Top Birthday Live Tour from MEI Theatrical
We're Going On A Bear Hunt Multi-sensory Trail with Kew Gardens and Wakehurst
Bear
Hall
BEST LICENSED TOYS OR GAMES RANGE
OPEN TO: All licensed toys and games, interactive toys, games and computer games plus trading cards aimed at children or adults. The products must have been launched into UK retail between 1 June 2023 - 31 May 2024.
PRODUCT CATEGORY FINALISTS
The Adventures of Paddington Toy Range from Rainbow Designs
Dobby the House Elf Brick Model from LEGO
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Mutant Mayhem Toy Range from Character Options
Batwheels Toy Range from Mattel
Harry Potter Squishmallows from Jazwares
Toomies Bluey Bath Range from TOMY
Patrol Jungle
Range
The Official Board Game from
Care Bears Collection from MINISO
Peter Rabbit Games and Jigsaws from Orchard Toys
Wednesday Collection from WOW! Stuff
Bluey Toy Range from Moose Toys
PAW
Pups
from Spin Master
Traitors
Vivid Goliath
BEST LICENSED HEALTH AND BEAUTY RANGE
OPEN TO: All licensed health and beauty products or ranges aimed at children or adults (including fragrances, bath and body, cosmetics, personal care items and vitamins). The products had to be launched into UK retail between 1 June 2023 and 31 May 2024.
PRODUCT CATEGORY FINALISTS
The Adventures of Paddington Bubble Bath & Sandwich Duo from Kokomo Studio
Harry Potter Kids Health & Beauty Collection from Marks and Spencer
SpongeBob SquarePants Bath and Body Collection from LUSH
Care Bears Collection from Sheglam
Harry Potter Ladies Gifting Range from Boots
Squishmallows Lip Balms and Bath Fizzers from Crackerjack
Fortnite Collection from Revolution Beauty
Kellogg’s Shower Gel Collection from Bubble T Cosmetics
Super Mario Collection from H&A
The Gruffalo and Friends Toiletries Collection from Good Bubble
The Nightmare Before Christmas Collection from Mad Beauty
The World of Peter Rabbit Collection from Toasted Crumpet
BEST LICENSED PRESCHOOL APPAREL OR ACCESSORIES RANGE (0-5 YEARS)
OPEN TO: Licensed nightwear, daywear, outerwear, underwear and footwear aimed at children 0-5 years. The products must have been launched into UK retail between 1 June 2023 - 31 May 2024. SPONSORED
PRODUCT CATEGORY FINALISTS
Bluey Collection for Character.com from Blues Group
Paddington Out and About Collection from Blade & Rose
The Gruffalo TU Baby AW23 Collection from Sainsbury’s
PAW Patrol Footwear and Accessories Summer 24 Collection from Brand International Group
Peppa Pig x Natural History Museum Collection for F&F at Tesco from Blues Group
Peppa Pig Personalised Christmas Sweatshirts from Roy’s Boys
LEGO DUPLO Collection from H&M
PAW Patrol Swimwear Range for Character.com from TDP Textiles
Miffy Easter Moment for Next from Fashion UK
Peppa Pig Collection from Mori
Peter Rabbit Babywear for George at ASDA from Blues Group
The World of Peter Rabbit Collection from JoJo Maman Bébé
CAA Brand Management supports talent and brands through the expansion of product categories, experiences and territories. A division of Creative Artists Agency, CAA Brand Management has 26 offices across 20 countries.
BEST LICENSED CHILDREN’S APPAREL OR ACCESSORIES RANGE
OPEN TO: Licensed nightwear, daywear, outerwear, underwear and footwear aimed at children 5 years and upwards. The products must have been launched into UK retail between 1 June 2023 - 31 May 2024.
PRODUCT CATEGORY FINALISTS
Barbie Collection for Harrods from Erve
Barbie Hair Accessories Collection for B&M from Hunter Price
England FA Women’s Euros Range for George at Asda
Hot Wheels Collection from Zara
Smallworld x SmileyWorld from Small World Accessories
Mickey & Friends Range for John Lewis from Cooneen
Squishmallows Collection for Next from Aykroyds
Minecraft Ender Range for Primark from Fashion UK
Squishmallows Collection from H&M
Harry Potter Kids Fashion Range from Joules
Mr. Men Little Miss Collection from Petit Bateau
Stitch Summer F+F Collection from Aykroyds
BEST LICENSED ADULT APPAREL OR ACCESSORIES RANGE
OPEN TO: Licensed nightwear, daywear, outerwear, underwear, footwear and fashion accessories aimed at adults. The products must have been launched into UK retail between 1 June 2023 - 31 May 2024. SPONSORED
PRODUCT CATEGORY FINALISTS
Barbie & Ken Summer Range from Somerbond
Barbie Movie Collection for Primark from Bioworld International
Hello Kitty Collection for Primark from Brand Alliance
Squid Games Collection from ASOS
Hello Kitty 50 Years Collection from The Cambridge Satchel Company
Beano Minnie the Minx Collection from Radley
Hot Wheels Collection from Sidemen Clothing
Transformers Footwear and Accessories Collection from Design Asylum
Yellowstone Don’t Make Us Take You To The Train Station Range from Vanilla Underground
The Grinch Collection from Adidas
NFL Collection for Boohoo from Poetic Brands
Where's Wally? Collection from Eastpak
BEST LICENSED DRESS-UP OR PARTYWARE RANGE
OPEN TO: All licensed dress-up balloons, party favours, party tableware, banners and cake decorations ranges aimed at children or adults. The products must have been launched into UK retail between 1 June 2023 - 31 May 2024.
PRODUCT CATEGORY FINALISTS
Barbie Party and Balloons from Amscan
Diary of a Wimpy Kid Costume from Amscan
Princess Peach and Super Mario Bros. Range from Disguise
Barbie The Movie Cowgirl Costume from Rubies Masquerade
Elmer the Elephant Tabard from Christy’s By Design
Bluey Collection for TU (Sainsbury’s) from Christy’s By Design
Minecraft Vanilla Partyware from Procos
Star Wars Young Jedi Adventures Dress-up Range from Rubies Masquerade
The Very Hungry Caterpillar Butterfly Dress for George from Christy’s By Design
Care Bears Adult Range from Rubies Masquerade
Peter Rabbit Classic Easter Range for Asda from Smiffys
Wednesday Dress-up Range from Rubies Masquerade
BEST LICENSED WRITTEN, LISTENING OR LEARNING RANGE
OPEN TO: Licensed books, comics, DVDs, audio and spoken word cassettes/CDs as well as electronic teaching products aimed at children or adults. The products must have been launched into UK retail between 1 June 2023 - 31 May 2024.
PRODUCT CATEGORY FINALISTS
Bluey Ladybird Books from Penguin Random House Children’s
Minecraft Book Publishing from Farshore & Expanse, HarperCollins
Peter Rabbit Cross Stitch Magazine from Hachette Partworks
Dungeons and Dragons Adventurer Series from Hachette Partworks
Mr. Men Little Miss Books from Farshore, HarperCollins
Horrible Histories Rotten Romans Tonie from Tonies
LEGO Ideas from DK
Numberblocks Let's Learn Numbers WipeClean Activity Set from Sweet Cherry Publishing
Roald Dahl Sleep Stories from Calm
Spidey and Friends Reward and Emotion Chart from IG Design Group
Peppa Pig Magazine from Story House Egmont
The World of Eric Carle Ladybird Readers from Penguin Random House Children’s
BEST LICENSED PAPER PRODUCTS OR STATIONERY RANGE
OPEN TO: Licensed greeting cards, stationery, calendars, posters and paper products aimed at children or adults. The products must have been launched in UK retail between 1 June 2023 - 31 May 2024.
PRODUCT CATEGORY FINALISTS
Bluey Greeting Card Range from Moonpig
Me to You Crystal Art Card Kit from Craft Buddy
Squishmallows Greeting Card, Calendar and Giftwrap Collection from Danilo Promotions
Crayola Kraft Range from Hunter Price
Paddington Classic Arts & Craft Collection from Robert Frederick
Elmer the Elephant Greeting Cards from Tache Crafts
Marvel Characters Breakout Collection from Pyramid International
Stitch Greeting Card Collection for Asda from UK Greetings
Peter Rabbit Greeting Card and Wrappings Range from Hallmark Cards
Squishmallows Collection from Blueprint Collections
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem Stationery Collection from BlueSky Designs
The World of Peter Rabbit Collection from Toasted Crumpet
Good luck to all the finalists in e Best Licensed Gi ware, Home Decor, Tableware or Housewares Range Award
BEST LICENSED GIFTWARE, HOME DÉCOR, TABLEWARE OR HOUSEWARES RANGE
OPEN TO: Licensed giftware and home décor ranges, such as lighting, furniture, bedding, rugs, textiles, garden products, framed or canvas wall art as well as tableware and housewares ranges. The products must have been launched into UK retail between 1 June 2023 - 31 May 2024.
PRODUCT CATEGORY FINALISTS
Chapter B Kids Club by Billie Faiers Debut Nursery Collection from Tesco
Hello Kitty 50 Year Collection from Primark
PAW Patrol Collection from Widdop and Co
Peanuts Home & Gifting Range from House of
Wednesday Gifting Collection from Pyramid International
The Beatles Collection from Half Moon Bay
Bridgerton Fabrics Collection from Liberty
Disaster
Bluey BCI Cotton Duvet Set for Next from Dreamtex
Harry Potter Collection from Abysse Corp
Miffy x Cath Kidston Collection from Cath Kidston
Prestige Disney Bake with Mickey Collection from Meyer Group
Moomin Needle Felting and Embroidery Kits from The Crafty Kit Company
BEST LICENSED FOOD OR DRINK RANGE
OPEN TO: Licensed confectionery, fresh, dried, tinned, jarred, bottled or canned food ranges, as well as alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. The products must have been launched into UK retail between 1 June 2023 - 31 May 2024.
PRODUCT CATEGORY FINALISTS
Barbiecue Sauce from
The Godfather Pasta Sauce from Heinz
Peppa Pig Cereals from Whatever Brands
Bridgerton Season 3 Collection from Biscuiteers
Hello Kitty Coffee Collection from Grind
CoComelon Snacking Range from Piccolo
Mickey Mouse Baking and Food Gift Range from Kimm & Miller
Squishmallows Marshmallows Bars from Lightbody Ventures
The Tiger Who Came To Tea Tiger Loaf from Jacksons of Yorkshire
Elf Doughnut Collection from Krispy Kreme
PAW Patrol Frozen Potato Shapes and Chicken Shapes from Iceland Foods
Wallace and Gromit More Tea Gromit? Teabags from Bird Blend Tea Co
Heinz
THE INNOVATION AWARD
OPEN TO: This special award is for one licensed item or range of any discipline that shows outstanding innovation in design, manufacture and/or inspiring treatment/use of a licensed property. The items submitted for this award may also have been entered into other categories. The products must have been launched into UK retail between 1 June 2023 - 31 May 2024.
PRODUCT CATEGORY FINALISTS
Avatar Loungefly Range from Funko
Collection from Sanderson
Pokémon Poké Ball and Mini Poké Ball from The Wand Company
Barbie Towel Pegs and Drinks Clips from Character World Brands
Harry Potter Potions Advent Calendar from The Carat Shop
Real FX Disney Stitch Puppet from WOW! Stuff
ImagiPals Surprise Balls Collection from Hunter Price
Hasbro Game Night Family Pyjamas for Character.com from Fashion UK
Barbiecue Sauce from Heinz
Space Invaders Watch Collection from Nubeo Watches
Crayola
Lilo & Stitch Holdems from EXG Pro
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Quarter Arcade from Rubber Road
BEST SUSTAINABLE LICENSED PRODUCT
OPEN TO: This special product award is for one licensed item or range of any discipline and will recognise and reward the credentials of a licensed product/range on a sustainability front. The products must have been launched into UK retail between 1 June 2023 - 31 May 2024.
PRODUCT CATEGORY FINALISTS
Grand Designs Sofas – Huxham Range from The Branded Furniture Company
Natural History Museum Treasures SS24 Collection from
RSPB Needle Felt Picture Kit Collection from The
Barbie Bath and Body Collection from LUSH
Grateful Dead Football Range from Forest Green Rovers
Dunelm
Makerss
Laura Ashley Vintage Apparel Collection from Joanie
Shaun the Sheep Laundry Collection from Little Beau Sheep
Happy Place by Fearne Cotton AW23 Collection with Fabacus from Nobody’s Child
Shaun the Sheep Plantable Children’s Book from Willsow
SpongeBob SquarePants Bath and Body Collection from LUSH
BEST PRESCHOOL LICENSED PROPERTY
(AGE GROUP 0-5)
OPEN TO: Nominees could be licensed properties aimed at 0-5 year olds. All submissions had to demonstrate commercial success, marketing and communications activity, creativity and innovation and management of the licensed property The property (and licensed products) must have been active in the UK market during the period 1 June 2023 - 31 May 2024.
FINALISTS
The Adventures of Paddington
Gabby’s Dollhouse
Bing
Peppa Pig
Pip and Posy
Batwheels
CoComelon
Numberblocks
Peter Rabbit
Bluey
PAW Patrol
The Very Hungry Caterpillar
SUPPLIERS OF LICENSED FASHION
DAYWEAR | NIGHTWEAR | ACCESSORIES | FOOTWEAR | ESSENTIALS
BEST CHILDREN’S OR TWEEN LICENSED PROPERTY (AGE GROUP
5-12)
OPEN TO: Nominees could be licensed properties aimed at the children’s or tween market (5-12 year olds). All submissions had to demonstrate commercial success, marketing and communications activity, creativity and innovation and management of the licensed property The property (and licensed products) must have been active in the UK market during the period 1 June 2023 - 31 May 2024.
PROPERTY CATEGORY FINALISTS
Barbie
Lilo & Stitch
emoji
Marvel Universe Piñata Smashlings
Care Bears
Harry Potter
L.O.L. Surprise!
Squishmallows
The Grinch
Magic Mixies Mixlings
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles SPONSORED
BEST TEEN OR ADULT LICENSED
OPEN TO: Nominees could be licensed properties aimed at the teen or adult market (aged 12 and above). All submissions had to demonstrate commercial success, marketing and communications activity, creativity and innovation and management of the licensed property The property (and
products) must have been active in the UK market during the period 1 June 2023 - 31 May 2024.
The Grinch
BEST GAMING LICENSED PROPERTY
OPEN TO: This award is for the licensing activity in the UK over the last year for a specific licensed property that has gaming as its origin. The property (and licensed products) must have been active in the UK market during the period 1 June 2023 - 31 May 2024.
Fortnite
Roblox Sonic the Hedgehog
Super Mario Warhammer
BEST FILM LICENSED PROPERTY
OPEN TO: This award is for licensing activity based around a film property over the last year. The film property could be aimed at any age group. The property (and licensed products) must have been active in the UK market during the period 1 June 2023 - 31 May 2024.
PROPERTY CATEGORY FINALISTS
Barbie The Movie
Transformers: Rise of the Beasts
PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie
Wish Wonka
Five Nights at Freddy’s
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem
Trolls Band Together
PROUD Sponsor OF
BEST MUSIC OR CELEBRITY LICENSED
PROPERTY
OPEN TO: This award is for licensing activity in the UK in the last year for a specific licensed music or celebrity/personality property aimed at any target age group. Nominees could be celebrities/personalities, either living or deceased, from all disciplines including entertainment, sport, culinary, design, art or music. The property (and licensed products) must have appeared in the UK market during the period 1 June 2023 - 31 May 2024.
PROPERTY CATEGORY FINALISTS
The Beatles
Grateful Dead
Ed Sheeran
Billie Faiers
Gorillaz
Iron Maiden
The Rolling Stones Style Sisters
BEST SPORTS LICENSED PROPERTY
OPEN TO: Nominees could be licensed properties from any sports field (excluding sports celebrities). All properties must demonstrate commercial success, marketing and communications activity, creativity and innovation and management of the licensed property. The property (and licensed products) must have been active in the UK market during the period 1 June 2023 - 31 May 2024.
PROPERTY CATEGORY FINALISTS
Arsenal Football Club
The Football Association
England Cricket
Liverpool Football Club
Chelsea Football Club
England Rugby
Manchester City Football Club
NFL Players Association
Tottenham Hotspur Football Club
West Ham United Football Club
THE CLASSIC LICENSED PROPERTY AWARD
OPEN TO: This award is for properties that have stood the test of time (with at least a decade of licensing activity). The winner will join previous winners in The Licensing Classics Hall of Fame. Previous year’s winners are Barbie, The Beano, Harry Potter, Paddington, Peppa Pig, Peter Rabbit, Pokémon, Mickey Mouse, Miffy, The Snowman, Star Wars, Thomas & Friends and The Very Hungry Caterpillar.
PROPERTY CATEGORY FINALISTS
Elmer The Elephant
Care Bears
The Gruffalo
Mr. Men and Little Miss
700,000+ Interviews annually
56,000 IPs
22 Markets
WHAT KIDS LOVE AWARD
OPEN TO: This is the only consumer award in The Licensing Awards, in collaboration with kids’ market intelligence specialist The Insights Family. The methodology is from 31 May 2023 – 31 May 2024 for UK kids aged 3-12, looking at brands with the highest purchase (or purchase intent) related to their favourite characters. To arrive at the finalists, The Insights Family – which speaks to more than half a million kids and parents every year – polled the kids about their favourite video games, TV shows, movies and YouTubers and whether they have bought – or intend to buy – anything related to them during the period. The list of purchase options included toys, clothing, books, magazines/comics, board games, food, stationery, stickers, toiletries, collectables, posters, homeware and greeting cards.
AWARD
CATEGORY FINALISTS
Mr Bean (Animated Series)
Talking Plush
Plush Friends
SO WHO’S SITTING WHERE?
Lucinda
Stacey
Lauren
Matthieu
Beth
Sophie
Sophie
Chris Beck
Amelia
Kiall Bedwood
Joel
Natty Beeks
Mel
Josh
Alfie
Mark
Paul
Mordy
Elise
Jack
Kirstie
Tania
Abbie
Samantha
Phone +39 011 1921 1996
For any further info licensing@bolognafiere.it bolognachildrensbookfair.com
HASBRO ARE PROUD TO SPONSOR THE MONOPOLY CASINO
THE LICENSING AWARDS 2024
PRIZES AVAILABLE: 6 TICKETS TO MONOPOLY LIFESIZED! 3 SETS OF HASBRO GAME BUNDLES!
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Exposé Travel – Your one-stop shop for all Licensing and related exhibitions worldwide.
EXPOSÉ TRAVEL specialises in travel to licensing and related shows worldwide. We have been offering some very special rates for flights and hotels to the many exhibitions that take place in different parts of the world and work with small boutique licensing agencies and retailers right up to the biggest companies on the show floor. We are also the exclusive travel partner to the Max Group of Companies, owners of The Licensing Awards and Licensing Source Book, and LicensingSource.net
Dear Friends and Clients,
First and foremost, may I wish all nominees in The Licensing Awards 2024 my congratulations and good luck for tonight!
As the licensing sector’s specialist travel agent, you may have used my services, you may not have yet. I have been serving your fine industry for many decades now and am proud to look after so many of you whether it’s for your Licensing Expo travel, BLE, or other trips for shows and general travel.
Why do people use me?
Firstly, I know the shows. I’ve been to them, I know if a hotel really is a ‘5 minutes walk’ or not and which ones suit which type of traveller. I know that you don’t want to go to Las Vegas via Lithuania or Melbourne via Mexico.
Secondly, I am an independent, specialist travel consultant. I answer the phone… that means no messing around with call centres when changes happen. And we all know after the last few years that changes to travel are now commonplace.
And that is why now, more than ever, I encourage you to use my services as a licensing industry specialist.
You will speak to me, Paul, and I will be your personal point of contact at all times.
Again, my best wishes for a superb evening and please do consider me your personal travel agent for the trips ahead. I deal with one-man companies right up to 100 person bookings for the biggest licensors.
And if I can keep Ian, Jakki and Rob happy with their demanding requirements, I’m sure I can help you!
TO HELP YOU TO FIND WHO YOU’RE LOOKING FOR!
