The Licensing Awards Finalists 2023

WELCOME EVERYBODY

Well, it’s your favourite Tuesday of the year again and we’re all here together – over 1,200 of us, each and every one playing a part in keeping this big wheel of licensing turning.

This evening is all about celebrating everything that’s great about our vibrant sector – glorious product ranges, inspiring retailing execution, superb brand management, innovative marketing and promotional activities and of course the people and companies who make it all happen.

We couldn’t have brought The Licensing Awards 2023 to life without you. Firstly, a huge thanks to all of our sponsors, all of whom have been unwavering in their support, including our headline sponsor Brand Licensing Europe, plus our industry trade body, Licensing International. To all of our retail buyers who spent hours poring over the tremendous amount of entries we received from licensors, licensing agents and licensees this year, and to our industry experts who jumped into our Validation Panels with gusto, we thank you wholeheartedly. But it would be for nothing if you weren’t here. It’s going to be one hell of a night and we’re so glad you’re with us.

And, as ever, don’t forget to take home your bulging goody bag…this is the event that just keeps on giving!

Ian Hyder, Jakki Brown, Rob Willis and Sam Loveday

The Licensing Awards Team

#licensingawards23

THE HOST WITH THE MOST

Our host for tonight is none other than actor, author, TV presenter and comedian, Joel Dommett. Since appearing on ITV’s I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here in 2017, Joel (pictured) has gone on to do two popular series of Comedy Central’s Joel and Nish vs The World, Dating No Filter (Comedy Central), A League of Their Own (Sky Max), 8 of out 10 Cats and The Love Trap (Channel 4), Celebrity Juice, Hey Tracey! and Singletown (ITV2).

As well as touring stand-up shows across the country, Joel released his first book It’s Not Me, It’s Them in 2018, which recounts his past relationships in pursuit of love. Alongside Hannah Cooper, he also co-hosts the hit podcast, Never Have I Ever.

Quickly cementing himself as one of Britain’s regularly featured presenters, Joel has fronted smash-hit The Masked Singer for four successful series, two series of The Masked Dancer spin-off as well as hosting The Masked Singer Live tour around arenas.

He also hosted Red Nose Day for Comic Relief in 2022 and has just hosted the National Television Awards at The O2 for the third year running.

This year Joel has presented new gameshow In With A Shout on ITV and is to host the successful hit show Survivor as it launches in the UK on BBC this Autumn.

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 2023. 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.

Publishers of

Right: Joel Dommett is the host of tonight’s awards ceremony.

Inset: Last year’s host Tom Allen (centre) with Max Publishing’s (leftright) Sam Loveday, Jakki Brown, Ian Hyder and Rob Willis.

A Fabulous Charity Raffle

To find out more about The Light Fund go to

www.thelightfund.org

Amazing prizes for a great cause

Every single penny from tonight’s raffle will go to The Light Fund, our industry charity.

Set up in 2004, 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 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

Walking In The Air

Kindly donated by Penguin Ventures

You’ll be floating on cloud nine if you win this one. It’s your chance to enjoy a The Snowman afternoon tea treat and hotel stay at the Grosvenor House Hotel, as well as two top tickets for The Snowman stage show.

Hair-Raising Flicks

Kindly donated by NBC Universal Products & Experiences

You can enjoy a hair-raising time to remember with this money can’t buy opportunity for a private family and friends screening of the much-anticipated DreamWorks’ Trolls Band Together film. Up to 10 guests will be able to enjoy the action-packed, allstar, rainbow-coloured family reunion like no other on 27 October at Universal Products & Experiences, Central St Giles screening room.

Lots Of Fun

Kindly donated by Funko

6Tickets for £20 3 for £10

Be the envy of all your friends with this Funko prize bundle which includes fanfavourite Loungefly bags, beloved Funko Pop! figures, a host of Funko Games and some of Funko's newest micro-sized collectable line, Bitty Pop!

Go With The Flow

Kindly donated by Bravado

Newly signed to Bravado, the Seattle rock band Queens of the Stone Age is bringing their The End is Nero tour to the UK following a critically acclaimed set at Glastonbury 2023. And you can see them live with two tickets for their gig at London O2 on 15 November this year. No One Knows how your night will turn out, but just Go With The Flow and the Queens of the Stone Age might just Make It Wit Chu!

Score A Hat Trick

Kindly donated by The FA

You really will score a hat trick if you win this one. Your FA trio includes a framed Kyle Walker signed England print, a framed Raheem Sterling signed England print and a framed Lionesses shirt signed by the England Women’s 2019 squad.

Top Deck Marmalade Marvels

Kindly donated by Copyrights and Inspires Marketing

You can take your seats at a table for four on the upper deck of our iconic Routemaster bus for the Paddington Afternoon Tea Tour plus a bundle of Paddington goodies which includes bags from Signare, a large collector Paddington Bear from Rainbow Designs and some fabulous Paddington books from HarperCollins.

Shoot To Thrill

Kindly donated by Hasbro

You will have an adrenaline-packed blast with this one. It’s for four tickets to the brand new NAX – NERF Action Xperience in Manchester. This first ever UK NERFthemed attraction is full of challenges and activities that promote active play.

Gratefully Received

Kindly donated by Warner Music

Just think how cool you will feel if you win this Grateful Dead Igloo Cooler and some equally cool Grateful Dead merchandise, including a ukulele, a picnic blanket, high-quality jewellery, a knitted sweater and more from exciting brands such as Slowtide, Enso, Peter Grimm and Section 119.

Wheely Hot

Kindly donated by Mattel

Are you ready for some crushing and smashing action? Here’s your chance to win a family ticket for four to watch Hot Wheels Monster Trucks light up the floor in outrageous monster trucks competitions and battles at Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow Party at the start of next year. You can take your pick from the Leeds, Glasgow, London or Manchester shows which will feature a laser light show, spectacular theatrical effects, dance parties, plus a special appearance from a transforming robot and the high-flyers of Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Freestyle Motocross Team.

Stage Struck

Kindly donated by CAA Brand Management

You’re in for a double whammy of cultural treats with this one. First up are two tickets to see the fabulous Gabrielle perform at The Royal Albert Hall on 31 October as part of her 30 Years of Dreaming Tour. What’s more, you can also take your pick of any of the London West End theatrical shows with two tickets to see anything you fancy before March 2024.

Sporting Chance

Kindly donated by Warner Bros. Discovery

Get up close to TNT Sports presentation team, well their handwriting at least, with a limited edition (1 of 100) TNT Sports shirt with personally signed autographs from the high profile team, including Rio Ferdinand, Peter Crouch, Joleon Lescott and Premier League host Lynsey Hipgrave.

Take thousands and thousands of licensed products; a who’s who of retail buyers; an impressive roster of property, marketing and Rising Star submissions; hundreds of retail nominations; several judging panels of industry experts; the public’s view of what kids love and what do you get? The Licensing Awards 2023 magnificent 293 finalists across the 30 award categories, that’s what!

Tonight, we’ll find out who will receive these prestigious licensing honours, but here we explain how the finalists and winners were arrived at.

MAKING IT HAPPEN

All about the Awards

The Licensing Awards, (which are owned and organised by Max Publishing, owners of The Licensing Source Book and LicensingSource) recognise and reward excellence right across the licensing spectrum - in licensed merchandise, retailing execution, licensed property management, marketing promotions, live events as well as the Honorary Achievement award for special individuals who have contributed greatly to the industry. In addition, for the eighth year running The Licensing Awards also encompass the Licensing International UK Rising Star award, which shines the spotlight on young licensing professionals under 35 years of age.

And for the third year, there is the consumer award,

What Kids Love

, launched in collaboration with The Insights Family. The judging process for each of the different categories of awards differs in each case, duly tailored to arrive at the credible finalists and winners.

Above: The Licensing Awards website contained the wherewithal to enter and nominate for all categories.

Left: The trophies are being readied for the 2023 winners of The Licensing Awards.

The Product Award Categories

Licensees and licensors were invited to enter licensed products that had been launched into UK retail (or significantly modified) in the year from 1 June 2022 to 31 May 2023.

The entire responsibility of judging the entries to the Product Award categories of The Licensing Awards 2023 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, convened by Helena Mansell-Stopher, founder and ceo of Products of Change.

This year over 200 different retail buyers (from right across the retail spectrum and from different buying disciplines) were selected to form the official judging panel for the main product categories. This year’s Judging Panel included buyers from Asda, Bargain Max, B&M Stores, Card Factory, Character.com, DFS, The Entertainer, FatFace, Frasers Group, Home Bargains, HMV, JoJo Maman Bébé, Lakeland, Longleat, Marks and Spencer,

Moonpig, Morrisons, My 1st Years, Next, Paultons, Sainsbury’s, Specsavers, Tesco, TruffleShuffle, Vanilla Underground, The Works and many others.

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. The submissions included several images of the product as well as salient 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 then amalgamated to arrive at the winner and the finalists for each category.

The Retail Award Categories

The finalists in the retailer award categories were arrived at as a result of an exhaustive nomination/selfnomination process with retailers who have excelled in their retail delivery of licensed merchandise to the public in the year to 31 May 2023 coming to the fore.

The consolidated results of this nomination process were presented to a Retail Validation Panel comprising 23 top industry experts - both licensees and licensorschaired by Richard Pink, managing director of Pink Key Licensing

Left: The 2023 Retail Validation Panel shared the collective responsibility for arriving at this year’s worthy finalists and winners of the retail award categories.

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The 2023 Retail Validation Panel

Jack Allen - Mattel

Karen Athill – Funko

Sye Austin – CAA Brands Group

Mel Beer – Amscan

Rob Bentley – NBC Universal Products & Experiences

David Boyne - Bravado

Anne Bradford – Poetic Brands

Rob Corney – Bulldog Licensing

Sam Ferguson – Jazwares

Dean Greasley – TDP

Ashley Holman - Toy Topic

Catherine Hupin - Beanstalk

Tim Kilby - Character World Brands

Cat O’Brien – Hasbro

Richard Pink – Pink Key Licensing (chairman)

Daniel Prince – Danilo

Amandine Reid – EXG Pro

Lisa Reynolds – Erve Group

Louise Rigby – BBC Studios

Simta Sawhney – Paramount

Stacy Scimia – WildBrain CPLG

Sue Stanley – Bioworld International

Rachel Wakley – Warner Bros. Discovery

Martin Withers – Pyramid International

Ben Woodman – Abysse UK/GB Eye

*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 third year running, a consumer award category has joined The Licensing Awards, in collaboration with kids’ market intelligence specialist, The Insights Family. The company – which speaks to more than half a million kids and parents every year – asked kids aged 3-12 about their favourite video games, TV shows, movies and YouTubers for the new What Kids Love Award and whether they have bought – or intended to buy – any licensed merchandise related to their favourites. The list of options included toys, clothing, books, magazines and comics, board games, food, stationery, stickers, toiletries, collectables, posters, homewares 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 had 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 consider 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 awards were submitted online, which 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, which included the objectives of the promotion, the creative use of the licence and the campaign execution.

The Best Licensed 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 (top-bottom) chairman Richard Pink (Pink Key Licensing), Barbara Robinson (licensing and retailing consultant), Alex Ward (Lime Communications), Gabrielle Sims (Hasbro), James Marsh (B3 Creative), Thalia Tester (Carte Blanche Greetings) and Clare Piggott (Larkshead Media).

UK RISING STAR AWARD

SPECIAL AWARD CATEGORY FINALISTS

OPEN TO: This is a Licensing International UK award. The award is designed to recognise excellence among junior industry professionals in the United Kingdom under the age of 35.

Thomas Dimech Senior Retail and Brand Manager, Retail Monster

Donovan De Klerk Global Licensing Manager, Exquisite Gaming

Rakhee Ghelani Category Manager –Beauty and Care, Universal Products & Experiences

Max Pilcher FMCG & Hardlines, Consumer Products Coordinator EMEA, Mattel

Leigh Simpson Global Licensing Manager, Arsenal Football Club

Melissa Tudor Creative Director, Fanattik

Gemma Fitzgibbon Licensing Manager, Funko EMEA

Oliver Gilding Exclusive Brands Manager, Iceland

Ellie Yarnell Head of Buying, Vanilla Underground

proud sponsors

of

BEST RETAILER OF PRESCHOOL LICENSED PRODUCTS

(AGE GROUP 0-5)

Good Luck

to all of the finalists!

Marks

Smyths

BEST RETAILER OF ADULT LICENSED PRODUCTS

OPEN TO: Any UK-based retailer of any discipline selling licensed products aimed at adults. (These can include retailers selling licensed merchandise such as those based on sports, entertainment, celebrity, heritage, art & design or FMCG brands). This award is for retailing activity for the period May 31 2022 - June 1 2023.

RETAIL CATEGORY FINALISTS

Asda

HMV

Forbidden Planet

Primark

TruffleShuffle

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 May 31 2022 - June 1 2023.

RETAIL CATEGORY FINALISTS

Card Factory

Get Trend

My 1st Years

John Lewis & Partners

TK Maxx

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 May 31 2022 - June 1 2023.

RETAIL CATEGORY FINALISTS

Aldi

Pull & Bear

H&M

Urban Outfitters

Zara

Bershka

Lidl

BEST LICENSED RETAIL MARKETING INITIATIVE

SPECIAL AWARD CATEGORY FINALISTS

Disney100 Where the Magic Began Campaign with Asda

Miffy Year of the Rabbit Campaign with Ichiba

Gabby's Dollhouse: Gabby on the Go! Campaign with Smyths Toys

Mr Men Little Miss Comic Relief Campaign with TK Maxx

PAW Patrol Aqua Pups STA Campaign with Character.com

Have

Christmas

Jurassic Park 30th Anniversary Initiative with the Natural History Museum

The World of Peter Rabbit Easter 2023 Campaign with Marks and Spencer

27

BEST LICENSED PROMOTIONS CAMPAIGN

OPEN TO: 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 June 1 2022 – May 31 2023. It could have been part of a broader European campaign, but it is the execution in the UK market that is judged.

SPECIAL AWARD CATEGORY FINALISTS

Care Bears Churros Campaign with The Knot Churros

Little Miss Waste Less Promotion with Ecover

SPONSORED

BY

PAW Patrol on a Stroll Campaign with Dogs Trust

PAW Patrol Swimming Awards with the Swimming Teachers Association

Tom Gates’ BRILLIANT Back To School Doodle Competition with Crayola

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE FINALISTS

BEST LICENSED LIVE EVENT

OPEN TO: 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 June 1 2022 and May 31 2023.

SPECIAL AWARD CATEGORY FINALISTS

BY

F1 Arcade in St Paul’s London from Kindred Concepts

The Gruffalo and Friends Clubhouse on the Blackpool Seafront from Merlin Entertainments

Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience at Arley from Ravenswood Experiences

Jurassic World: The Exhibition at Excel London from Cityneon

Peaky Blinders: The Rise live immersive theatrical show from Immersive Everywhere

Peter Rabbit Garden Adventure at Blenheim Palace from Histrionic Productions

SAW Escape Experience London from Path Entertainment (TPEG)

Stranger Things: The Experience in London from Fever

Wallace & Gromit A Grand Way Out at Bristol from Locked In A Room

The Wondrous Worlds of Roald Dahl Festival of Light at Longleat from Longleat

SPONSORED

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 June 1 2022 and May 31 2023.

PRODUCT CATEGORY FINALISTS

Disney Mini Brands Capsules from Zuru

The Gruffalo Wooden Toy Range for Primark from Fizz Creations

Super Mario Bros. Movie Figures from Jakks Pacific

Super Mario Pop Up from Tomy UK

Gabby’s Dollhouse Collection from Spin Master

Wizarding World Range from LEGO

Hey Duggee Transforming Space Rocket from Golden Bear Toys

Indiana Jones Range from Funko Games

Peppa Pig Boat Adventure Set from Tomy UK

Marvel Nanopods from Wow! Stuff

Pokémon x Squishmallows Collection from Jazwares

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 June 1 2022 and May 31 2023.

PRODUCT CATEGORY FINALISTS

Spidey

Costumes

Barbie Party Box for Claire’s from Christy’s by Design

Bluey Party, Balloon and Dress-up Collection from Amscan

SpongeBob SquarePants Frenzy Suit from OppoSuits Caterpillar Tabard from Christy’s by Design

Barbie UV Colour Change Mermaid Costume from Rubies Masquerade

Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory Costume Collection from Rubies Masquerade

SPONSORED BY

Deluxe Costume Range from Smiffys

Little Mermaid Movie Classic Ariel from Disguise

Pokémon Party, Balloon and Dress-up Collection from Amscan

& His Amazing Friends Preschool

from Rubies Masquerade

Peter Rabbit Classic Paper Tableware for Sainsbury’s from Smiffys

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 June 1 2022 and May 31 2023.

PRODUCT CATEGORY FINALISTS

We’re Going on a Bear Hunt for TU Clothing

Bluey Collection from Aykroyd & Sons/Roy Lowe

Elf Infant and Preschool Range from George@Asda

Peter Rabbit Collection from Blade & Rose

Peppa Pig Hair Accessories Collection from Hunter Price International

Disney Classic Baby Range for Character.com from TDP

from Blues Group

SPONSORED BY

Elmer the Patchwork Elephant SS23 Range from JoJo Maman Bébé

Paddington Collection for F+F at Tesco from Blues Group

PAW Patrol Aqua Pups Collection for Character.com from Aykroyd & Sons

Peanuts Collection for Primark

PAW Patrol 3D Apparel and Footwear Range from Vanilla Underground

CA A B ra nd M a nag em ent suppor t s t a lent a nd bra nds through th e ex pa n sion of produc t c ategories , ex perien ces a nd ter ritories . A division of Creative A r tis t s Agen cy, CA A B ra nd M a nag em ent ha s 26 of fices a cros s 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 June 1 2021 and May 31 2022.

PRODUCT CATEGORY FINALISTS

Barbie Christmas Collection from The Very Group

Hello Kitty Kids Shoes and Accessories from Adidas

Minecraft Legends Collection for George@Asda from Bioworld International

Minecraft x Puma AW22 Collection from Puma

Flower Fairies Gucci Kids Love Parade from Gucci

SPONSORED

BY

LEGO x H&M Collection from H&M

Paddington Collection for TU Clothing from Aykroyd & Sons

Pokémon x Clarks Collection from Clarks

Nintendo Collection for Next from Fashion UK

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 June 1 2022 and May 31 2023.

PRODUCT CATEGORY FINALISTS

SPONSORED BY

FIFA Historic World Cups (FIFA Classics) Collection from Poetic Brands

Grinch Collection for Asda from Cooneen

Hot Wheels x Sean Wotherspoon Apparel, Accessories and Footwear from Adidas

Paddington Bear x Signare Woven Tapestry Range from

Netflix Collection from Lacoste Smiley Originals x ASOS from Somerbond

Tommy x Miffy Apparel Collection from Tommy Hilfiger

LEGO x Adidas Superstar Footwear from Adidas

AC Jade Trading

Pusheen Apparel and Accessories Collection from Vanilla Underground

Minecraft Collection from Burberry

Peanuts Collection for Primark from Brand Alliance

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 June 1 2022 and May 31 2023.

PRODUCT CATEGORY FINALISTS

Peter Rabbit Publishing Range from Puffin

Thomas & Friends Limited Edition Packs from Story House Egmont

We're Going on a Bear Hunt Tonie Audio Character from Tonies

Hey Duggee Press, Play and Party Sticky Stick from Golden Bear

Learn With Peppa Range from Ladybird

Mr. Men Little Miss Range from Farshore, HarperCollins UK

PAW Patrol Audio Cards from Yoto

Minecraft Publishing Range from Farshore, HarperCollins UK

Bluey Publishing Range from Ladybird

Alphablocks Phonics Fun from Trends UK

The Adventures of Paddington from HarperCollins UK

BEST LICENSED PAPER PRODUCTS OR STATIONERY RANGE

OPEN TO: Licensed greeting cards, stationery, calendars, posters and prints aimed at children or adults. The products must have been launched in UK retail between June 1 2021 and May 31 2022.

PRODUCT CATEGORY FINALISTS

BBC Springwatch Greeting Card Collection from Abacus Cards

Heinz Greeting Card Collection from Tache Crafts

Quotes Greeting Card Collection from UK Greetings

Mr Men and Little Miss Advent Calendar from A2V Trade

The National Gallery Master Painting Photo Upload Range from Moonpig

Peter Rabbit Pop Up Card Range from Cardology

Bluey Calendar and Greeting Card Collection from Danilo Promotions

Elmer the Elephant Children's Stationery from Robert Frederick

Pokémon Besties Range from Blueprint Collections

Eden Project x Papergang Stationery Selection Box from Ohh Deer

Transformers AR Stamp Collection from Royal Mail

GOOD LUCK to all the nominees!

© Frederick Warne

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 June 1 2022 and May 31 2023.

PRODUCT CATEGORY FINALISTS

Disney100 Limited Edition Collection from Mad Beauty

Grinch Cosmetics from Revolution Beauty

Disney The Nightmare Before Christmas Collection from Abysse Corp

SPONSORED BY

Jurassic Park 30th Anniversary Collection from Fanattik

Me to You AW22 Collection from Home Bargains

Peppa Pig Collection from Bamboo Bamboo

Sonic Cable Guy Phone and Controller Holder from EXG Pro

Original Stormtrooper Collection from Nemesis Now

The Snowman Musical Soft Toy from Rainbow Designs

Stranger Things Hellfire Club Range from Pyramid International

Swizzels Love Hearts Plush Gifts from Posh Paws

Squishmallows Range from Character World

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 June 1 2022 and May 31 2023.

PRODUCT CATEGORY FINALISTS

Arsenal Pitch Infused Limited Edition Gin and Vodka Liquer Cracker Set from Bohemian Brands

Me to You Collection for B&M from Kimm & Miller

Elton John Pianoman Truffles from Charbonnel et Walker

Natural History Museum Dinosaur Poo from Crème d’Or

PAW Patrol Juice Drinks from Vital-Life Nutraceuticals

Peppa Pig Multivitamin Drinks from Whatever Brands

Beatrix Potter Collection from Biscuiteers

Lord of the Rings Pale Ale for Tesco from Brewdog

Harry Potter Hedwig Hollow White Chocolate Hand Decorated Owl for Marks & Spencer from Kinnerton

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Toddler Snack Range from Ella's Kitchen

SpongeBob SquarePants Frozen Potato Shapes from Iceland Foods

THE INNOVATION AWARD

PRODUCT CATEGORY FINALISTS

CoComelon JJ’s Musical Freeze Dance Boots from Wow! Stuff

Peppa Pig Playmat Backpack from William Lamb Group

Finding Nemo Diving Goggles Wash Bag from Half Moon Bay

Super Mario Bath Soap Confetti Cannon from H&A

Super Mario Bros. Movie Bath and Body Collection from Lush

Super Mario Bros. Movie Fire Breathing Bowser from Jakks Pacific

Disney x Moonpig Licensed Flower Range from Moonpig

SPONSORED BY

Jurassic World Real FX Baby Blue Dinosaur from Wow! Stuff

Build Your Own Rocket from Build Your Own

Transformers Limited Edition Flagship Optimus Prime from Robosen Technologies

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 June 1 2022 and May 31 2023.

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 June 1 2022 and May 31 2023.

PRODUCT CATEGORY FINALISTS

SPONSORED BY

PAW Patrol Clean & Soft Range from Naturally Tribal Skincare

Ben & Jerry’s x Tony’s Chocolonely Ice Cream and Chocolate CoBranded Collaboration

Room on the Broom Pop-out Playset from Play Press

BBC Children in Need Sportacular Collectibles from Louis Kennedy

National Trust Footwear Collection from Moshulu

Minions YAZOO KiDS Milk Drinks from FreislandCampina

WWF Grasslands Collection from Tesco

Super Mario Bros. Movie Bath and Body Collection from Lush

The Ashmolean Museum The Treasured Collection Paint Range from Graphenstone Paints

PAW Patrol Magazine from Story House Egmont

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 June 1 2022 and May 31 2023.

PROPERTY CATEGORY FINALISTS

Bing

The Gruffalo

CoComelon

Hey Duggee

Bluey

Elmer the Elephant

Paddington

Peppa PigPeter Rabbit PAW Patrol

The Very Hungry Caterpillar

Gabby’s Dollhouse

Proud Sponsors of BEST CHILDREN’S OR TWEEN LICENSED PROPERTY (age group 5-12)

Good Luck to all the Finalists from everyone at

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 June 1 2022 and May 31 2023.

PROPERTY CATEGORY FINALISTS

Barbie

L.O.L.

Surprise!

The Grinch

Marvel Universe

Emoji

Jurassic World

Miraculous

TransformersWizarding

World My Little Pony

Lilo & Stitch

BEST TEEN OR ADULT LICENSED PROPERTY

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 licensed products) must have been active in the UK market during the period June 1 2022 and May 31 2023.

PROPERTY CATEGORY FINALISTS

Peaky Blinders

Barbie

Peanuts

Friends

Pusheen

Care Bears

The Grinch

Smiley

Anime, movies, TV series, comics & gaming

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 June 1 2022 and May 31 2023.

PROPERTY CATEGORY FINALISTS

Among Us

Minecraft

Pokémon

Atari

Fall Guys

Roblox

Super MarioWarhammer

Sonic the Hedgehog

Xbox

Fortnite

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 June 1 2021 and May 31 2022.

PROPERTY CATEGORY FINALISTS

Avatar

Dungeons

Minions:

Lightyear

The Way of Water

& Dragons: Honor Among Thieves

The Little Mermaid

Black Panther Wakanda Forever

Rise of the Teenage Ninja Turtles Movie

The Rise of Gru

Jurassic World Dominion

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.3

The Super Mario Bros. Movie

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 June 1 2022 and May 31 2023.

The Beatles

Gorillaz

Ed Sheeran

Grateful Dead

Billie Faiers

Elton John

Iron Maiden

The Rolling StonesStyle Sisters

Mrs Hinch

Frankie Bridge

BEST SPORTS LICENSED PROPERTY

NFL Players Association

Arsenal Football Club

Manchester United Football Club

Formula 1

The Football Association

SPONSORED BY

PROPERTY CATEGORY FINALISTS

NFL

Manchester City Football Club

Liverpool Football Club

Tottenham Hotspur Football Club

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 June 1 2022 and May 31 2023.

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, Paddington, Peppa Pig, Peter Rabbit, Pokémon, Mickey Mouse, Miffy, The Snowman, Star Wars, Thomas & Friends and The Very Hungry Caterpillar.

PROPERTY THIS YEARS FINALISTS ARE:

Hello Kitty

The Roald Dahl Story Company

Me to You

Sesame Street

In the Night Garden

Moomin

The Smurfs

TeletubbiesWallace & Gromit

SpongeBob SquarePants

Wizarding World

Mr. Men and Little Miss

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 May 19 2022 – May 19 2023 for UK kids aged 3-12, looking at brands with the highest purchase (or purchase intent) power. 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 licensed merchandise areas included toys, clothing, books, magazines/comics, DVDs, board games, food, stationery, stickers, apps, music tracks, toiletries, collectables, posters, homeware, greeting cards and tickets.

SPECIAL AWARD CATEGORY FINALISTS

Pokémon

Minecraft Roblox

Sonic the HedgehogSpongeBob SquarePants

Fortnite

Peppa Pig

Stranger Things

PAW Patrol

The Simpsons

Super Mario

Bluey

HONORARY ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

SPECIAL AWARD CATEGORY FINALISTS

OPEN TO: This special award is given to someone who has contributed greatly to the licensing industry. There are no finalists announced for this prestigious award.

SPONSORED BY

2018 Keith Chapman

2016 Ian Downes

2020 John McInnerny

2015 Laurence Prince

2013 Kelvyn Gardner

2019 Patrick Bailey

2014 David Scott

2012 Pauline Lonsdale and David Aykroyd 2011 John Sinfield (awarded posthumously) 2010 Andrew Lane 2009 Trevor Jones 2008 Mike Redfern

2007 Nicholas Durbridge and Linda Pooley 2006 Richard Culley

2017 Anthony Temple

2021

Angela Hall

2022 Steven Gould

Best of luck to all the nominees from everyone at Winning Moves.

SO WHO’S SITTING WHERE?

Companies with a passion for brands.

MUST-ATTEND TRADE SHOW AND THE HOME OF TOY LICENSING!

Goodluck toallfinalists!

Welookforward toseeingyouat the70th ToyFairinJanuary 2024

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 2023 my congratulations and good luck for tonight!

As the industry’s specialist travel agent, you may have used my services, you may not have yet. I have been serving the licensing sector for many years now and after the pause in travel due to C*vid, I am pleased to say that I was responsible for many of your flights and hotels this year – Licensing Expo in Las Vegas was a busy one for me and BLE is looking much the same.

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!