Licensing Source Book Europe Spring 23

Spring 2023

Hello 2023...

In wider world terms, January is always seen as being a bit of a downer. It’s permanently dark (seemingly), often raining, cold, everyone’s on a diet/not drinking and the Christmas credit card bills are about to come home to roost.

However, for us here at Max Publishing we’re looking forward to getting stuck into the New Year (not least because there are two January birthdays in the team) and this feeling seems to be echoed by the members of the UK and international licensing industry who we spoke to for our first issue of 2023.

Business wise, the news that the UK economy unexpectedly grew 0.1% in November 2022, helped by a boost from the World Cup, means it is now not so certain the UK will enter a recession.

This is undoubtedly positive news - and a cause for cautious optimism - although the licensors and licensees we spoke to are under no illusions about the challenges facing their businesses and the wider industry going forward.

Licensees are doing all they can to try and avoid the supply chain issues which plagued the start of 2022, although at least container costs have come down from the previous eye watering figures. The change in buying habits witnessed post-Covid will continue, and with cost of living at the forefront of everyone’s minds, consumers will be watching their discretionary spend, meaning price will become more important than ever.

Innovation will be the watchword - there is a strong belief that cut through can still be achieved with the right innovative product at the right price. Parents and caregivers are also likely to be looking towards licences and brands that they know and

Samantha Loveday - Group Editor Ian Hyder - Chief Executive Officer

Jakki Brown - Managing Director and Editorial Director

Rob Willis - Chief Operating Officer

Mark Grayson - Creative Director

Tel: 020 7700 6740 E-mail:

hello@max-publishing.co.uk

trust, meaning evergreens could receive a particular focus. At the same time, the recent success of the likes of Bluey and CoComelon underlines there are opportunities for newer brands to market, too, while the continued interest in the heritage, museum and lifestyle space shows no sign of waning.

LSB has put together a list of 23 licensing talking points for 2023, all of which will have an impact on the industry in some way - from the Year of the Rabbit, Barbie-core and Gen Z’s influences, through to the Nineties and Noughties, esports and TikTok.

The piece also highlights some key anniversaries, including 10 years of PAW Patrol - one of only a handful of preschool franchises that have managed the milestone and a feast of new content and brand activity is planned in celebration. You can read more in the dedicated publication with this issue.

Care Bears is another brand which is riding high from an anniversary - the franchise marked 40 years in 2022 and some high profile collaborations and activity is continuing through 2023. Find out more in the special supplement with this issue.

In the short-term, the LSB team will be heading to the key trade fairs - Toy Fair, Spielwarenmesse, Spring Fair and Ambiente - and we’re looking forward to catching up with as many of you as possible. We won’t even mind if it’s raining.

The LSB Team

Samantha Loveday, Jakki Brown, Ian Hyder and Rob Willis.

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.

ISSN 25158643.

What’s Inside?

76-77

81-83

LSB kicks off the New Year with a round-up of some of the latest news from the licensing business.

Ahead for

business

WildBrain CPLG to grow the Playmobil brand

WildBrain CPLG is to handle worldwide rights of Playmobil as the master licensee for the renowned IP.

The partnership spans across both the core and franchise Playmobil brands from the Horst Brandstätter Group, including Wiltopia, Novelmore, Adventures of Ayuma and more.

Starting from 1 April 2023, the agency will expand the Playmobil brand into new categories across merchandise, publishing, location-based experiences and promotions

It will build upon the brand’s significant potential for creative and innovative consumer product extensions spanning across both adult and kids’ categories, while keeping Playmobil’s brand DNA at the core. The partnership will develop new ideas and products that bring long-lasting fun to a global audience. It will also explore ways to help the brand achieve its sustainability goals, as it has committed, among other things, to becoming carbon neutral by 2027.

Pink Key Licensing’s strong start

PAW Patrol marking 10 years with One Big Celebration

Preschoolers around the world have been ‘on a roll’ with PAW Patrol for the last decade, capturing the hearts of parents, licensees, retailers and other partners.

This year will see Paramount and Spin Master mark 10 years of the preschool franchise with ‘One Big Celebration’, highlighting the positive, enduring influence of the show and pups on the everyday lives of preschoolers, while for partners it’s about celebrating the outstanding success of the PAW Patrol franchise to date.

2023 will see the biggest year yet for content including a 22-minute anniversary themed special episode; a spring content theme, Aqua Pups; its first ever spin off series premiere, Rubble & Crew; plus the theatrical release of PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie, the sequel to the hugely successful film debut in 2021.

Supporting the special episodes and themes, new core season 9 and 10 premieres will roll out across the year, day and date on Nick Jr. and Paramount+ in the UK, as well as on Milkshake on Channel 5 later in 2023.

New short-form content on both Nick Jr. and PAW Patrol YouTube channels, existing seasons on Netflix and a new multi-platform console game release will further add to the celebrations, while there is also a host of brand activity planned.

Ultimately, 2023 is set to be a year-long celebration of ‘pup culture’ with Charlotte Hyson, director of CP marketing at Paramount Consumer Products and Experiences UK, commenting: “We’re celebrating, so we would like everyone who has ever loved the franchise to be joining in as much as they can, as well as recruiting the new to join in the party.”

Above: 2023 will be ‘One Big Celebration’ to mark 10 years of PAW Patrol.

Pink Key Licensing is off to a flying start to the New Year, signing a new deal for Pringles on mobile accessories globally for Samsung, due to be in market for mid 2023. In addition, the agency has secured contract renewals for SLUSH PUPPiE with Fizz Creations, Rose Confectionery, Manchester Drinks and CRC – four of its most successful licensees – which will see them working together for another three years.

“It’s great to land such a big deal for Pringles early on this year and equally good to get commitment from such brilliant partners for SLUSH PUPPiE,” commented Richard Pink, md of Pink Key Licensing. “It shows their commitment to the brand and belief in the Power of the Pup. So far, it's been a cracking start to 2023 and we are on the verge of a couple more major deals that we hope will be concluded this quarter.”

Above: WildBrain CPLG will be expanding the Playmobil brand into new categories.

Hey Duggee and Bluey thrive in the UK

BBC Studios' Kids & Family brands Hey Duggee and Bluey look set for another successful year.

Bluey – which is the top gaining property in the UK preschool market, according to NPD (Jan-September 2022) – was the number one programme on CBeebies TX platform for 2022. New products will include musical instruments from HTI, while 8th Wonder will debut its first wooden toys, alongside Spin Master’s wooden puzzles.

Meanwhile, Hey Duggee’s first theatre show has been well received, with 37 venues booked for the tour which runs until August. Last year, Hey Duggee consistently ranked among the top three shows on CBeebies, while it was the most watched kids’ show on BBC iPlayer. New episodes will air later in the year.

CP wise, 8th Wonder, Trends UK and MV Sports have all renewed, while new products are due from Character Options and HTI. Master toy partner, Golden Bear continues to invest in new formats – following on from its success last year with the Transforming Hey Duggee Rocket, the hero line for AW23 is Sleepy Time Duggee

In addition, Alligator Products is on board as electronics and stationery partner for both Bluey and Hey Duggee. Further licensees will be confirmed for both brands throughout 2023.

Changes for Warner Bros. Discovery Global Brands and Experiences

Warner Bros. Discovery Global Brands and Experiences has confirmed the global leadership team for its consumer products business.

The move formalises the integration between Warner Bros. Consumer Products and Discovery Consumer Products. The changes were confirmed by Pam Lifford, president at Warner Bros. Discovery Global Brands, Franchises and Experiences.

As well as being head of EMEA consumer products, Julian Moon will now also be head of APAC Consumer Products; Robert Oberschelp will head North America Consumer Products. He will also continue to oversee global brand product, franchise management and marketing; Preston

Bumper 2022 for The Light Fund

Lewis will continue as head of LATAM Consumer Products and will also lead retail strategy and major retailer relationships for all of The Americas, partnering with Robert in North America; Samantha Bushy will transition full-time as head of global e-commerce; and Peter van Roden will continue to lead Global Themed Entertainment

“This team of best in class leaders brings years of experience in their respective areas and the realignment will result in a strong focus on our key growth areas, will further maximise our global relationships, streamline communication with global partners operating, and most importantly, bring brand new, integrated, and dynamic ways to engage fans around the world with our characters and stories,” Pam commented.

Industry charity The Light Fund raised a stunning £356,242 in 2022 which is now being put to good use to fund 59 different charity projects in 2023, which will make a huge difference to men, women and children all over the world.

“Thanks to an amazing effort from everyone – 2022 is a record-breaking fundraising year for The Light Fund,” commented Trevor Jones, chairman of The Light Fund. “Whether you swam, ran, walked, crawled, bought raffle tickets, answered quiz questions in the name of The Light Fund, we thank you.

“We will now be putting that money to good use to ensure 59 different charity projects – from established charities to very small local ones – can go ahead, helping thousands of men, women and children all over the world.”

The staggering total means that The Light Fund has now raised over £2.1 million and will have helped 164 different charities over the years.

Above: Hey Duggee’s first theatre show has 37 venues booked for the tour.

Left: (left to right) Pam Lifford, Julian Moon, Robert Oberschelp, Preston Lewis, Samantha Bushy and Peter van Roden.

Kennedy Publishing has added a further two titles to its licensed portfolio – Top of the Pops and Go Jetters, licensed from BBC Studios.

Go Jetters will join the company’s roster of preschool acquisitions which includes Peter Rabbit and Octonauts, encouraging children to explore while learning about our planet.

Meanwhile, Top of the Pops launched in 1995 and at its peak sold over 100,000 copies per issue. Kennedy has saved the title from closure and is keen to keep the heritage brand going. Both titles will be given what the company calls the ‘Kennedy Effect’ – an editorial, gift, design and distribution refresh. Kennedy has increased sales on some acquisition titles by over 90% including Barbie and Blaze and the Monster Machines.

Licensing for Retail to debut

Informa Markets’ Global Licensing Group is launching a new event for UK retailers, in partnership with Licensing International.

The inaugural Licensing for Retail conference – Planning for the Future –will take place at Convene, London on 19 April 2023. A limited number of free tickets are available to vetted retailers. Non-retailers (licensees, licensors, brand owners, agents and service providers) can purchase tickets, with discounts available to Licensing International members.

Delegates from Brand Licensing Europe’s Retail Mentoring Programme will also be in attendance in their first event of the year including delegates from Asda, Claire’s, FatFace, M&Co, HMV, New Look, John Lewis, Very Group, Tesco and Morrisons.

“The Licensing for Retail programme has been designed 100% with retailers’ objectives in mind,” explained Laura Freedman-Dagg, GLG’s head of retail “By providing through-the-year content in addition to the Retail Mentoring Programme and BLE, our goal is to help retailers understand more about how brands and customer fandom can drive their strategy forward and, as a result, maximise their use of brand partnerships to drive sustainable growth.”

The content is designed to deliver practical takeaways that will help retailers to navigate the world of branded consumer products through trend presentations, case studies and updates on the latest technological advances and will follow four themes throughout the day, plus a special keynote address.

Artwork brand Snowtap eyeing successful 2023

Graphic design and illustration brand, Snowtap and its consumer products agent KJG are celebrating a successful Christmas 2022 and looking forward to a busy 2023.

A well-received Christmas greeting cards launch has been quickly followed by plans for an imminent retail launch of social stationery and gifts, as well as the signing of a new licensee in the toys and games category.

All three licences highlight Snowtap’s signature artwork, which includes illustrations in watercolour and line drawing with handdrawn typography highlighting witty and motivational wordplay.

The Art File’s greeting cards – based on Snowtap’s natural world-inspired designs – enjoyed sales exceeding expectations for Christmas 2022. New designs are now being lined up for the 2023 campaign.

Meanwhile, Blueprint Collections will be launching a wide range of social stationery and gifts including mugs, pencil cases, notebooks, pens, sunglasses cases and drinks bottles. The autumn/winter 2023 games market will also be targeted with a new launch from Gibsons Games, the Collective of Creatures jigsaw puzzle.

On top of these deals, Portico Designs will be continuing its relationship with Snowtap, through which it sells cards and 2023 calendars to Barnes & Noble in the US

Inset: Kennedy Publishing has saved Top of the Pops magazine from closure.

Above: The inaugural Licensing for Retail conference will take place on 19 April.

Above: Blueprint Collections is launching a wide range of social stationery and gifts for Snowtap.

Susan Bolsover teams with Licensing Link Europe

Lightbulb Licensing’s Susan Bolsover has secured a new sales partnership with Licensing Link Europe, working with the agency across its brand portfolio to help develop licensee and retail activations for The Van Gogh Museum, Pantone, LIFE Magazine and PEZ Confectionery

Susan founded Lightbulb Licensing in 2022 with the aim of using her skills and industry expertise from a career spanning over 20 years to help businesses both large and small shine a light on their own licensing success story. Her experience includes high profile roles at Penguin Random House, WildBrain CPLG, DeAgostini and BBC Worldwide.

Pinocchio and friends welcomes new licensees

Lisle Licensing has welcomed new licensees for Pinocchio and friends, the reimagined TV series about the famous wooden puppet. The series – which became a ratings winner on CBeebies when it launched last year – is poised to launch its master toy range from Flair GP in the spring, following a positive unveiling at Brand Licensing Europe.

Fashion UK is on board to create a range of apparel including daywear, outerwear and pyjamas, expected to launch at retail in late spring.

In addition, Smiffys will lead the dress-up category, developing a range of costumes including key characters Pinocchio and Freeda. Plus, in an agreement brokered by Rainbow’s in-house CP team, Kennedy Publishing is producing a bespoke Pinocchio and friends magazine featuring stickers, colouring in pages and activities.

Mulberry hops in with Miffy

British luxury lifestyle brand, Mulberry is collaborating with Miffy on a collection celebrating the Year of the Rabbit for Lunar New Year.

The limited edition Mulberry x Miffy capsule sees the classic character curiously adventure across a series of bags and accessories.

These include keyrings, travel and tech accessories, small leather goods and iconic Mulberry bag styles.

Miffy peeks from behind envelope wallets and plays on the straps of Mulberry’s timeless Bayswater bag, as well as appearing on several new tote designs created specifically for the collection.

Royal Mail rocks with Iron Maiden

Royal Mail is honouring Iron Maiden with 12 special stamps – making the band only the fifth to be immortalised in stamp form.

The heavy metal gods join The Beatles, Pink Floyd, Queen and The Rolling Stones to feature in a stamp collection.

The main stamp set celebrates Iron Maiden’s live performances and feature a selection of photos from their worldwide tours across the years, internationally and at home, including all current members of the band. A further four stamps pay homage to the band’s long-serving mascot and pop-cultural icon in his own right, Eddie, with his own miniature sheet.

Above: Pinocchio and friends is building a strong licensing programme.

Above: Susan will be working with Licensing Link Europe across its portfolio.

Above: The new Mulberry collection with Miffy celebrates the Year of the Rabbit.

points for 2023

Cost of living

It’s a New Year and with it come new opportunities – for licensors, licensees and retailers alike. LSB presents 23 talking points for the licensing business in 2023 – from cost of living challenges, through to key trade shows, anniversaries, trends and major sports events, all of which will have an impact on our industry in some way.

Speaking to licensees and licensors for this issue, cost of living is very much at the forefront of mind – and the impact is already being felt. Consumers are being more cautious on their spending on non-essentials and some said that Christmas activity felt late and quieter last year. In response, different price points are being explored to make products more accessible, while innovation has become even more key.

A linear TV revival?

With consumers looking to cut back, streaming subscription services could be in the firing line. The question is, is linear TV considered retro enough to be cool again and back in fashion?

The Coronation of King Charles III

Kind Charles III’s Coronation will be held on Saturday 6 May at Westminster Abbey in London. The historic event – which will also see Camilla, Queen Consort, crowned – is the first to take place in nearly 70 years following the late Queen’s long reign. An extra bank holiday has been granted, meaning there are three in May and plenty of time for street parties, gatherings and get togethers. God save the King indeed.

Chinese culture with 2023 predicted to be a year of hope. In the world of licensing, Miffy has already unveiled a number of collaborations, tying in with the occasion.

Nineties and Noughties

The 1990s has been a source of inspiration for several years already, but this is showing no signs of slowing and is being joined in 2023 by the noughties. ASOS highlighted Olivia Rodrigo’s love of grunge and 1990s’ fashion as being a key source of inspiration for Gen Z (20-29) this year, along with Zendaya and Wednesday star Jenna Ortega

TikTok

Recent research by Google apparently found that young people are turning to TikTok or Instagram in search of answers to questions, rather than a search engine – something which could potentially have an impact on retailers when they are looking at online strategy. TikTok is undoubtedly a sweet spot for brands, but knowing how to use it in the right way is key.

Growing new product categories

From pet care to wellness, pampering either our pets or ourselves will be even more vital in 2023 as appreciation of those small moments of joy continues to grow, and there are opportunities for licensing in both.

Above: Olivia Rodrigo is a 1990s’ fan.

Left: Pet care is a growing licensed category.

Esports

Esports is a $multi-billion industry and a number of industry watchers believe that 2023 is the year that it edges ever closer to the mainstream. As with all new sectors though, it pays to do your research and find trustworthy partners, says Lee Townsend, ceo of collectables company Koyo. “From our experience the value of the IP lies with the individual players more so than the team as a whole,” he tells LSB. “When it comes to merch and apparel specifically, having held licences with a number of top teams we have learned that sales at a live esports event far outweigh ecommercenothing beats the 'I was there' feeling in the fan community.”

Gen Z’s influence

Leading the party when it comes to sustainability, Gen Z (20-29) look at the core values of a retailer (such as ethics, provenance, carbon footprint, etc) when deciding where to purchase. Having started to make strides, brands and retailers can’t now afford to deprioritise their ambitions around sustainability, commented Retail Economics’ ceo Richard Lim, because they will be at risk from consumers boycotting their brands. “Consumers are not willing to budge on ESG credentials,” says Richard.

Centenaries

Two of the biggest entertainment studios are marking 100 years in 2023 – The Walt Disney Company and Warner Bros. Disney has already kicked off its 100 Years of Wonder celebrations, while WB will be highlighting ’100 Years of Storytelling’.

Milestone anniversaries

2023 is another bumper year for key anniversaries from some other major brands, with special edition merchandise, events and experiential activity all part of the plans. Just a few to keep an eye out for include PAW Patrol (10th), Beano (85th), the London Underground map (90th), London Underground (160th), Laura Ashley (70th), The Rocky Horror Show (50th), Star Wars: Return of the Jedi (40th), Jurassic Park (30th), The Smurfs (65th), Kellogg’s (60th) and National Geographic (135th).

Doctor Who at 60

FIFA Women’s World Cup

All eyes will be on the Lionesses when they head to Australia and New Zealand for this summer’s tournament. After their triumph at the Euros, there is much more of a buzz surrounding the women’s game and The FA is receiving an increased number of enquiries, telling LSB last year that it wants ‘retailers to wake up to the power of women’s football’.

The metaverse

If there’s one word that was everywhere when it came to tech last year it was metaverse. In 2023, the interest from brands looking for metaverse guidance is only set to increase. Tony Pearce, cofounder of Web3 company Reality+, says: “From an IP perspective – and as those conversations mature - 2023 will be focused around nurturing brands on their IP strategies; are they looking to extend, expand and/or protect their brand, while we also continue to educate them on the huge Web3 benefits and implications for IP: co-creation, decentralisation and ownership.

“The technology stack is still in its infancy, but if I had to double-down on a hot trend for 2023 then it would be co-creation, with the winners being those organisations that are willing to work with fans to develop new Web3 brand experiences, and in doing so relinquish historic IP to develop new.”

The first episode of the sci-fi smash first aired on the BBC on 23 November 1963. BBC Studios is keeping its powder pretty dry when it comes to CP plans, although its director of global licensing, Andrew Carley, did reveal in this issue’s industry roundtable that it is “working hard to build the licensing programme across multiple retailers for end 2023 and into 2024.”

Below: The Lionesses are ready to roar in licensing.

Right: Ncuti Gatwa is the Fifteenth Doctor.

Above: Jurassic Park is marking 30 years this year.

Heritage highlights

The Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam first opened in 1973 and is marking 50 years of welcoming visitors. In terms of licensing, new artwork has been specially developed and Licensing Link Europe is busy building the programme in the UK and Ireland. Historic Royal Palaces will see the opening of Crown to Couture at Kensington Palace in April – the exhibition will see contemporary couture worn by celebrities displayed alongside historic costume.

Box office blockbusters

Total box office revenue for the UK and Ireland in 2022 was up 64% on 2021 to £978 million, Screen Daily reported, with Top Gun: Maverick leading the way. This year is set to welcome a new batch of cinema seat fillers including Dungeons & Dragons: Honour Among Thieves, The Super Mario Bros. Movie, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, The Little Mermaid, Transformers: Rise of the Beasts, The Flash, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, Barbie, PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie and Trolls 3, to name just a few.

Licensing Expo 2023

Licensing Expo will return to the Mandalay Bay Convention Centre in Las Vegas from 13-15 June

Continuing on from Brand Licensing Europe’s success in 2022, with the show bringing fashion to the forefront, the category will also be the theme for the US show in 2023.

BLE’s Retail Mentoring Programme

Applications for the 2023 mentoring programme are open now and will officially close at the end of March. Space is limited to 80 delegates, with Laura Freedman-Dagg, head of retail at Global Licensing Group, telling LSB that “take up has been great so far”, with 30 confirmed at time of writing.

“We’re excited to welcome a diverse group to the programme from entry level to heads of department across buying, merchandising, design and marketing and with category representation from apparel, gift, toys and more. What they all have in common is a real desire to upskill when it comes to brand licensing,” says Laura.

New for this year, RMP alumni will be invited to join two elements of the programme with the 2023 delegates – the new Licensing Retail Day in April and the licensor host days throughout the summer.

Sustainability in Licensing Conference 2023

Over 500 people attended SILC 2022, split between an in-person event at the Royal Geographical Society in London and those who joined digitally across the globe. SILC23 – 8 November - will look to push a deeper conversation around sustainability within product, retail and content.

Brand Licensing Europe 2023

BLE returns to its October slot for this year, running from 4-6 October at London’s ExCeL. Plans are already underway and stay tuned for further announcements through the first part of 2023.

Brand & Lifestyle Licensing Awards 2023

This year’s Brand & Lifestyle Licensing Awards will take place on Thursday 27 April at the new venue of the Royal Lancaster London. The awards are open for entries now – including the new for this year B&LLAs Rising Star Award - with a closing date of Wednesday 8 March. Check out pages 72-73 for more details.

Barbie-core

It’s not just going to be a case of on Wednesdays we wear pink in 2023, it’s more likely to be the whole summer, thanks to Margot Robbie and the arrival of the Barbie movie.

The Licensing Awards 2023

Mark Tuesday 12 September in your diary and keep your eyes peeled for further details…

Above: SILC23 will take place on 8 November.

Below: BLE returns on 4-6 October.

New year

How was 2022 for your business? What were some of the key highlights?

Marianne: “2022 was a year of change and focus on our new Blueprint 2.0 strategy, emphasising fewer, bigger, better brands to generate meaningful consumer interest and deeper retail engagement, while putting purpose at the centre of everything we do and the products we deliver.”

Andrew: “Bluey continues to exceed all expectations. 2022 was Bluey’s first full year at retail in the UK and while the product range remains tight it’s driving very strong momentum. Categories across ancillary toy and apparel are beginning to build significant presence at retail paving the way for a very exciting 2023. 2022 also saw the launch of Bluey across almost all European markets, led by France, Italy and Spain, while the CP programme is in its second full year

in the US. Hey Duggee also continues to command shelf space in a very competitive market – no mean feat for a 7+ year old property.”

Jon: “2022 was a transformational year for Mattel’s consumer products business - as a licensing business within a global toy company there are so many great opportunities to integrate as a business, across retail and marketing and as we move into 2023 we have an exciting new approach on how we bring our brands to life for the consumer. Our franchisefirst approach has accelerated with the announcement our first-ever theatrical live action Barbie movie (coming in July) which will be a huge pop culture moment for consumers, plus the return of Monster High with two new films and an animated series. As we move into 2023, we are excited to bring Barbie, Monster High and Hot Wheels programmes to retail and, of course, continuing our story on Thomas & Friends and Fireman Sam.”

LSB chats to four senior executives – Marianne James, vp EMEA and Asia Licensed Consumer Products, Hasbro; Andrew Carley, director of global licensing, BBC Studios; Jon Spalding, head of UK consumer products and hardlines, EMEA, Mattel; and Kate Schlomann, evp brand management and content marketing, Boat Rocker – about the year just gone, the year ahead, retail opportunities, the challenges and the positives.

Marianne James

Inset: The arrival of the Barbie movie this summer will be a huge ‘pop culture’ moment for consumers.

Andrew CarleyJon SpaldingKate Schlomann

Kate: “Overall, for Boat Rocker, it was a buoyant year. After going public we’ve seen a big leap in scale that has allowed us to expand our creative and commercial capabilities and we continue to enjoy rapid growth. It was a pivotal year for our ‘roarsome’ in-house hit Dino Ranch, while we also launched enchanting new show Daniel Spellbound globally on Netflix. We have a strong content development pipeline in place with some exciting projects due to be revealed in the near future.”

What properties will be key for your business in 2023?

Marianne: “In 2023, we’re focusing on Peppa Pig (as we gear up for the brand’s 20th anniversary in 2024) and My Little Pony (which is celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2023), along with Transformers and Dungeons & Dragons, which have star-studded films hitting the big screens with Transformers: Rise of the Beasts in June 2023 and Dungeons & Dragons: Honour Among Thieves in March 2023. We’re also excited for what’s next for NERF.”

Andrew: “Both Bluey and Duggee continue to remain key. Expectation around Bluey is significant and we will be careful to ensure the programme is carefully managed. The recent announcement that BBC has entered in a partnership with Disney for the production of the forthcoming series of Doctor Who is creating enormous interest and we will be working hard to build the licensing programme across multiple retailers for end 2023 and into 2024.”

Kate: “Dino Ranch is set to aim high and fly as it leads the charge of our international franchise expansion. Season two, which launches across Europe in the summer, includes Dino SOARa 22-minute flying tentpole special, further supported by four themed episodes.

Phenomenally successful

powerhouse show The Next Step, the reality dance drama for tweens, celebrates its tenth

anniversary in 2023 and there’ll be some exciting activity to support the incredible milestone. New for 2023 from our Scripted division is Orphan Black: Echoes, a spin-off from our hugely popular series Orphan Black. International roll out will follow the US launch and licensing opportunities are in development.”

Do you see new retail opportunities opening up in 2023 for licensed product?

Kate: “As we start to see our push into scripted appear on screen, we are excited about the opportunities this offers us – allowing us to move into a more targeted retail space and explore digital opportunities. I think we will see an increase in the number of products that are available digitally and physically. E-commerce continues to expand and create new possibilities. It’s a fantastic way to connect directly with consumers and increase brand engagement, and new technologies are opening up exciting ways to create exciting immersive environments that take the idea of shopping to a whole new level.”

Jon: “As well as our strategic retail partners who are pivotal to our growth and consumer experience, we are excited by the rapid growth of Kidult category and the opportunities that this brings to our heritage brands.”

Andrew: “Retailers want and quite rightly demand a point of differentiation. It’s not only about the product, it’s about the end-to-end experience and brand owners have the opportunity to increasingly integrate into that process. It’s no longer about focusing on a single

Right: Dungeons & Dragons will have a new movie launching this year

element of the buying process, it’s about looking at the entire offering – in-store, digital, social, marketing and creating a narrative around that. For the brand owner and retailer there are increasing opportunities to bring content and narrative from the film, TV and online space into the consumer retail space.”

What are the key challenges facing your business and the licensing industry in general in 2023?

Marianne: “Challenges we anticipate for this year include the macro economy and the retail landscape, as we are focusing on value in response to the economy. There’s also a constant need for innovation, so it is an ongoing challenge delivering on those fronts, while continuing to deliver purpose-driven values and products through multiple touchpoints and omni channels.”

Andrew: “I am sure we see some consolidation across the industry – particularly at retail where there will be a focus remaining committed to the tried and tested and less inclination to move into the unknown. It’s going to make it difficult to build new brands and sustain tertiary properties. That being said, the drop in oil prices and shipping rates going back to pre-Covid rates means the initial price inflation across consumer products may not be as acute as first thought and there will flexibility to address possible consumer spending pressures.”

And what are the positives?

Jon: “It’s a challenging time in the market place at the moment, whether you are a licensor, licensee, retailer or consumer. However, with licences and content, you have an opportunity to give consumers an escape and immersion experience and this is something that we will be focusing on next year.”

Marianne: “We have a lot to look forward to at Hasbro, including the following brand highlights we’re activating our Blueprint 2.0 strategy around. We are celebrating the 20th anniversary of Peppa Pig in 2024, and we have new exciting content planned through 2027; we are also celebrating the 40th anniversary of My Little Pony in 2023; the highly-anticipated feature film Transformers: Rise of the Beasts releases in June 2023, and we are working towards a July 2024 release date for a feature-length Transformers animated film; Dungeons & Dragons will have a new movie in March 2023; while PJ Masks was renewed for a sixth season to be aired in 2023 as well.”

Andrew: “As we go into 2023 there is ongoing excitement around Bluey with much of the fanfare built in the US in November and December shifting into the UK and Europe. Plus, the confidence around Hey Duggee as a solid evergreen stands the brand in good stead in a period of uncertainty.”

What impact could the cost of living crisis potentially have on the licensing business? Are we already seeing this impact?

Kate: “We are definitely already seeing an impact with consumers being more cautious in their spending on non-essentials. Christmas activity felt late and quieter last year. In response we continue to explore different price points that make our products accessible.”

Right: Dino Ranch will be leading the charge for Boat Rocker’s international franchise expansion in 2023.

Marianne: “Experiences are critical to expanding your business, as consumers get the opportunity to connect and engage beyond the shelf as they want their favourite characters to connect with them on all levels. With the economic challenge, immersive experiences are also a way of experiencing and coming together as a family in a more cost-effective way.”

Jon: “Yes, these are important to our long-term plans. In 2023 we have the Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live experiences, as well as expansion to our Thomas theme park experience and a Fireman Sam Musical immersive experience and this will be expanded with other brands in the future including theme parks, as well Barbie expositions across the globe.”

Kate: “They’re increasingly important, enabling fans to engage even more closely with their favourite shows. We’re really excited about our Dino Ranch live show, in partnership with Fierylight and Terrapin Station. The Next Step has also forged a hugely successful partnership with Pineapple Dance Studios that covers themed dance workshops and co-branded apparel. The sell-out workshops feature music and choreography from the series and the classes available both in person and digitally boost sales of tie-in product and generate strong social media activity.”

Can the global licensing industry enjoy a year of growth in 2023 in your view?

Andrew: “While there will be challenges, there are multiple major events coming out of the major studios and other brand owners that will inject excitement, newness and creativity into the industry. At the same time advances across digital and social will build new opportunities.”

Jon: “Yes, I think we are seeing a new era of licensing with the emergence of gaming, music

and social media all adding to the weight of theatrical and video content. It’s an exciting time to be working in licensing.”

Finally, what’s your hot tip for 2023?

Kate: “Sustainability is increasingly important in all areas of life and it’s also key and a major focus for Boat Rocker. Streaming services are becoming more prevalent to our business and our future plans for new shows and we are extending our strong relationships with the streaming platforms. The rise in POD and e-commerce gives us the opportunity to launch programmes with niche fan bases and use this success to build into a bricks and mortar programme.”

Jon: “As well as our own brands which of course I am tipping to have an incredible year - from Monster High, Barbie and Hot Wheels - I think Wednesday will be a good kidult brand following the Netflix series, plus look out for Ken in the Barbie movie… he will be one to watch. I also think sustainability will be an important area, there are unique opportunities for licensors and licensees to draw on each other's strengths and make a difference.”

Andrew: “Sustainability will be an increasing focus. Those businesses that can demonstrate they are committed to this and are making a difference will be well placed for the future.”

Trends such as immersive experiences have really come to the fore over the past couple of years - how important are these types of initiatives to your business now?

Below: There is ongoing excitement around Bluey as we enter 2023.

Spring

forward

licensees how they are looking to make the most of the first quarter of the New Year despite the wider challenges that everyone is facing.

Mel Beer, group licensing director, Wonder

“At Wonder we aim to stay focused on the job in hand, creating unforgettable memories for consumers through our offering of well-designed and innovative products.

Wonder.

I’m most excited about all the new

Helen Johnson, product manager, Crème d’Or

“We have to be ready for the major retailers who are all ranging confectionery for Christmas 2023, taking inspiration from all we have seen during the past few months. We have to try and strike that balance between quality and value with branding being a key influence for the consumer.

The ISM sweets trade show in Cologne is a great place for us to meet with suppliers and look at what is new to market. It also brings us something to look forward to in the New Year.”

licensed ranges we have launching for WBD/Karnival and beyond, including Bluey and Roald Dahl. It’s also the Year of the Rabbit so we’re delighted to be offering Peter Rabbit (Classic & TV), Pip & Posy and Miffy too, plus many more licensed ranges to come for HW23. You can see all of our new 2023 ranges on the Amscan stand in Hall 9 at Nuremberg Toy Fair.”

Mike Coles, group md, Blues Group

“2023 kicks off with a tough first quarter for many suppliers and retailers in our sector - mainly due to the change in buying patterns post Covid and then leading to the carryover of stock from 2022 into 2023.

However, with a change in strategy last year, we are starting to see increased new category opportunities and an uplift in parts of the group that are working to a longer lead time. This gives us the confidence that we will see improvements in sales for the all important mid-year autumn/winter product launch and the final golden quarter for Christmas 2023. Even with all the headwinds, we will increase our sales for the group year on year.”

Below: Roald Dahl will be among the new ranges launching in 2023.

Above: Helen Johnson, Crème d’Or. Right: Crème d’Or launched the Love Your World collection with the Natural History Museum last year.

Above: Mike Coles, Blues Group.

Phil Ratcliffe, joint md, MV Sports

“In the current climate parents will be looking towards licences and brands that they know and trust, therefore evergreens will receive particular focus. Many such licences have movie releases in 2023 to further reinforce their enduring appeal eg, Barbie, Spider-Man, Transformers, PAW Patrol, Trolls. Notwithstanding the aforementioned, Gabby’s Dollhouse is in big demand right now.

Lisa Shand, md, Blueprint Collections

“Blueprint has completely updated our range for spring 2023 which should give a fresh feel in-store. We are also working closely with our manufacturing partners to try to avoid the supply chain issues that we encountered in the spring of 2022.”

Julie Jones, md, Redan Publishing

“We think it’s going to be a tough trading time, with our consumers tightening their belts and really watching their discretionary spend. Despite this, it’s important for us to constantly remind parents/carers of young children that we have fabulous content in our magazines that is great value and provides endless opportunities for children to learn in a fun and rewarding way.

We have increased our consumer media spend for the first quarter and we will be attending a local Kids’ Fest to actively encourage and draw our target market to our magazines. We are also running a nationwide competition across our portfolio to win one of ten children’s tablets which will be supported by a complete MU take-over in Tesco stores, again to increase awareness and draw consumers in.”

Hannah Lowe, account and licensing manager, Roy Lowe & Sons

“As seemingly is the case following the pandemic, last year was one of ups and downs. The first quarter of the year is the toughest for many reasons – some past challenges have become a normality that we will take into 2023 and I am sure more to come, but I am equally hopeful for stability to return

The first quarter for us is about finalising AW and SS development with retailers (depending on their timelines) and looking at 2024 onwards from a licensing perspective. Last year at retail was undoubtedly slower due to the cost of living crisis and it is our job to continue to work closely between retailers and licensors amidst the challenges to ensure that 2023 is stronger.

In our eyes, no amount of Zoom calls can replace face to face interactions – the best business is always done with a G&T in hand so expect to find Ben and I at the bar.

At Roy’s Boys HQ we will use the first quarter to continue to plan for the year ahead. 2022 for us was incredible and we have exceeded all, what seemed at the time to be overly ambitious, targets we set for ourselves at the end of 2021. Our focus will maintain, as always, to combine innovative product development using the best, most current licences in order to create the perfect gifts in the most sustainable way we can. We really cannot wait to see how we can smash our 2023 targets out of the water after the well-earned Christmas break for our team.”

Above: Redan picked up the Eco Award at the Progressive Preschool Awards 2022 for Fun To Learn Peppa Pig Bag o’ Fun.

Left: Julie Jones, Redan Publishing.

Above: Phil Ratcliffe, MV Sports. Right: Gabby’s Dollhouse is in big demand right now, says Phil.

Above: Lisa Shand, Blueprint Collections.

Above: Hannah Lowe, Roy Lowe & Sons.

Left: Bluey continues to be a strong performer.

Elliott Peckett, director, Smiffys

“The first quarter of 2023 is looking like a jam packed one for us at Smiffys, as trade show season is back in full force. We will be kicking off the year stateside with the Halloween & Party Expo in Las Vegas. Next up is our first year at Toy Fair in London, followed by the return of Spielwarenmesse. Q1 will also see us launching an exciting brand new collection of iconic licensed costumes.

As well as show season, we are looking forward to World Book Day in early 2023, as the event continues to be successful for us year on year. Our Book Day collection will feature kits and accessories, as well as full costumes, offering customers a more affordable alternative for the event. It is a tough climate for everyone at the moment, but we are heading into 2023 with a positive outlook for the year, excited for the events that Q1 will bring for us at Smiffys.”

Ashley Holman, md, ToyTopic

“2023 will no doubt be a tough trading year, so we have worked hard on product innovation and sustainability to ensure we can offer the best product while keeping prices as low as possible. We are therefore thrilled to say all our plush and puppet products are now available as a 100% recycled option, while retaining all the quality and still hitting keen price points for the consumer. We think this is the only way to retain consumers for this year who will still care about important things such as the environment, but price will become even more important than it was in 2022.”

Anthony Duckworth, md, Dreamtex

“Happy New Year everyone! 2022 certainly had its challenges, there is no doubt there. However, a strong finish to the year has given us a decent springboard into 2023 as we capitalise on winning new retail business during Q1 and Q2. Shipping has begun to stabilise now meaning a more predictable year in terms of timings and inventory; this was not the case in the beginning of 2022.

Strong licences such as Bluey, Xbox and Disney/Marvel will always perform well even in quieter seasons. We’ve introduced some new products to the range and we’re planning to grow our portfolio further during Q1 and Q2. Overall, Dreamtex is expecting big things from 2023, especially from an order book perspective.”

Helen Cottrill, marketing and product director, Enesco

“Quarter one is all about our new product launches, trade fairs and, of course, Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day. We launched all of our new product on 3 January which can be viewed and ordered from our website (www.enesco.co.uk).

The last few months of 2022 were tough for our industry - the cost of living crisis and increasing utility bills have put a strain on trade. Enesco understand this, and we are doing all we can to make sure that our offers and promotional mechanics maximise the value for our customers.

We will, of course, have our Disney 100 launch, which we are confident will create excitement with both our trade customers and the end consumer. Everything will be on show at Spring Fair and we cannot wait to meet our customers face to face again.”

Above: Elliott Peckett, Smiffys.

Above: World Book Day continues to be successful for Smiffys year on year.

Above: Helen Cottrill, Enesco.

Above: Ashley Holman, ToyTopic.

Above: Licences such as Bluey perform well for Dreamtex, even in quieter seasons.

Above: Anthony Duckworth, Dreamtex.

Golden touch

While the past few years have undeniably been challenging, Golden Bear has been busy taking the opportunities which come with so many things happening in a fast changing world. From the successful launch of Curlimals and the creation of a virtual Toy Fair platform – which has now been incorporated into a hybrid trade fair presence – through to advances in its digital marketing and continued growth within the licensed arena, the company has certainly not been resting on its laurels. LSB catches up with managing director, Barry Hughes, to find out more.

Like every one of the last three years in particular, 2022 contained lots of change and hurdles, but also lots of opportunities, Barry Hughes, md of Golden Bear Toys, begins by telling LSB.

Among the challenges experienced across the toy industry as a whole – including container costs (although Barry says these are now nearly down to where they were pre-pandemic), Covid disruption, exchange rate changes - the company enjoyed international growth, a successful launch for its own animated plush brand Curlimals, plus also saw its Hey Duggee

Transforming Duggee Rocket Toy launched for real into space.

“That was crazy,” exclaims Barry. “We’d known that the BBC were

planning it but were sworn to secrecy – and I was actually in a meeting in Hong Kong with the factory which made the rocket when it popped up on a newsflash that it had happened… it was one of the strangest meetings I had last year!”

Meanwhile, Curlimals has been a metaphorical rocket in terms of sales. It was number one in special feature plush in volume in NPD in November 2022 and has hugely exceeded expectations, says Barry.

“It’s now taking the world by storm – not just in the UK – and we have lots of other markets coming online in 2023; this helped us grow internationally by 30+% last year.”

The Curlimals range is due to be expanded further this year, while Barry also teased new products for Bing, Hey Duggee and In the Night Garden including a Peek-a-

Inset: The company’s Hey Duggee Transforming Duggee Rocket Toy actually made it into space last year.

Right: Curlimals has been “selling like hot cakes” since July 2022 and has exceeded expectations, says Barry.

Boo Bing, a Sleepy Time Duggee and a refresh of the ITNG plush range.

There will also be lots of completely new launches, too, says Barry: “While licensed preschool remains our core and our bedrock, we’ve also expanded into other areas. We’re now in games and will be launching the family friendly Squirty Gertie and Farty Freddie –we’ve seen how kids react to them already so we can’t wait to play them on our Toy Fair stand. Our Smart Ball soccer range has been going great guns, and with the World Cup going up until Christmas it has been growing and growing for us. We have a new exciting higher price point item called Soccer Bot, which we are excited about demonstrating on the stand. We’ve also got a toy line like you’ve never seen before called Little Long Legs – it’s really fun and will get a lot of attention at Toy Fair.”

Barry explains that Golden Bear has been very focused on real product innovation and he teases that the company will be speaking to licensors about developing its own intellectual property that it can put across multiple licences.

As well as the innovations on the product side, Golden Bear has also been agile and flexible with its marketing. It has a photo studio on-site at its Telford headquarters and its own digital marketing team, with Barry saying the company has learnt so much in that world in the last year in particular.

Indeed, Barry’s aim for 2023 is to continue to drive Golden Bear towards its vision of being the “most pioneering and innovative UK-owned toy company”. He offers: “I’ve been really pleased to see some posts on LinkedIn where people have mentioned how pioneering and innovative we are. Three to four years ago, we were more perceived as being traditional, so I think that’s been wonderful and I’d like to continue that journey, as well as growing both domestically and internationally.”

Although the cost of living crisis is very much front of mind, Barry believes that there is still growth to be had this year.

“The toy industry is normally more robust than a lot of industries when it comes to economic hardships, but when people are having to focus on heating and eating, it is having an impact, and we’re seeing that globally. But we know that companies which change and pivot when there are tough times are the ones that have great success. We pride ourselves on analysing insights and then acting on them quickly. We’re a small family run company so we can move quickly… we will continue to do that and take advantage of opportunity.”

He continues: “Curlimals has proved there is still growth to be had; it’s been selling like hot cakes since July 2022. When you’ve got the right product that offers innovation, difference, value for money, you can still get the cut through.”

Speaking of cut through, but this time on the football pitch, Barry’s other aim for 2023 isn’t something in his control: “Personally, I would like to be cheering Arsenal on to Premier League success… although I have a feeling that Man City might interfere with that!”

Fun of the Fair

“We’re really excited about attending London Toy Fair again,” says Barry. “Our hybrid stand which utilises our virtual Toy Fair platform that we invested in at the start of the pandemic will be back. It will have new launches and new prototypes, while everything else will be available on the touchscreens that we’ll have around the stand. I was so proud of the stand last year – it makes life so much easier; you can find anything on the touchscreen, from carton size through to the assets that we have… it’s wonderful.”

Barry continues: “We’re also very excited about Nuremberg; as it’s back for the first time since 2020, we think it will be very well attended. Trade fairs are definitely important and it’s great to be back face to face. It is also great to show all of our partners, licensors and retailers how we have diversified and changed in the business over the last three years.”

Left: Barry Hughes, md, Golden Bear. Middle left: Bing continues to be a key licence for Golden Bear with new launches due this year. Below left: The ITNG plush range will be refreshed this year.

Shop fronts

From better than expected Christmas sales through to new collaborations and predicting trends, the UK retail

landscape has kicked off the New Year with some solid activity.

Primark reaffirms UK commitment

Primark has reaffirmed its commitment to UK retail, with plans to invest £140 million over the next two years in its UK store estate. This will include the opening of at least four new stores in Bury St Edmunds, Craigavon, Salisbury and Teesside Park.

The investment creates at least 850 new jobs and increases selling space by more than 160,000sq ft, in a boost to local shopping areas. Alongside the new stores, Primark will extend and invest in existing stores and will relocate its stores in Bradford and High Wycombe to higher profile locations.

In response to the growing popularity of its Home range, a second dedicated Primark Home space will open in its Liverpool store, following on from the success of Primark Home in Merry Hill, West Midlands.

Next enjoys ‘better than anticipated’ Christmas sales

Next has reported a 4.8% rise in full price sales for the nine weeks to 30 December 2022, saying that sales during the Christmas period were better than it had anticipated

The retailer – which rescued Joules from administration at the end of last year – had previously guided for a 2% fall in sales over the Christmas period. Instead, both online and retail stores sales “exceeded full price sales expectations”, with retail increasing 12.5% compared to the prior year. Next said that it thinks it underestimated the negative effect that Covid was having on its retail sales last year, as well as underestimating the effect improved stock levels would have on both businesses.

The retailer now expects full year sales of £4.6 billion, up 6.9% on the year before, and for pre-tax profits to increase 4.5% to £860 million against the £840 million it pencilled in last November.

However, Next has also sounded a note of caution that the year to January 2024 would be tougher as the cost of living crisis bites, offering a guide for pre-tax profits to fall 7.6% to £795 million on sales 1.5% lower.

This investment

builds on the launch of the retailer’s Click + Collect trial

As part of Primark’s commitment to create a great in-store experience for everyone, it will refurbish and upgrade stores on high streets, shopping centres and retail parks.

“The UK is our biggest market and, as we continue to grow and expand our business internationally, we remain as committed as ever to investing in our stores to offer more customers our great value clothing, beauty, homewares and much more,” commented Paul Marchant, chief executive of Primark

Inset:: Next now expects full year sales of £4.6 billion.

Inset: Primark is investing over £140m over the next two years in its UK store estate.

DFS and Cath Kidston team for collaboration

DFS has teamed up with lifestyle brand, Cath Kidston on a new range of beds, sofas, accent chairs, chaise longues and footstools. Each of the pieces has been designed to ‘bring a pop of colour and joy’ into any room, according to the two companies.

The new collection features re-mastered signature Cath Kidston prints including Forever Rose and Endless Love, together with the brand’s latest print designs, developed and hand-painted by creative director Holly Marler, such as Strawberry Garden, Painted Kingdom and Summer Birds.

“Our exclusive collection with Cath Kidston is a match made in heaven and is the epitome of British quality design and craftsmanship,” commented Kellie Wyles, head of upholstery at DFS

“We’re continuing to draw inspiration from previous eras to bring a sense of comfort and nostalgia into our homes, and this collection, complete with the iconic Cath Kidston pattern fabrics, puts a fresh spin on traditional design influences.”

Harrods named most popular department store

New data has shown that Harrods took the top spot in a survey to find the most popular department store, with Selfridges coming in second place and New York’s Macy’s in third.

Findmycasino.com used three metrics to determine the top department stores, including the average global Google search volumes, along with Instagram hashtags and TikTok views.

Harrods scored 10 out of 10, with 134,000 people per month Googling the store. Shoppers have thus far uploaded 1.5 million images of the retailer on Instagram.

Selfridges took second place, with 9.49 out of 10. Google searches for the retailer averaged 109,000 per month, but it is loved on TikTok, with over 47 million views on the platform.

Macy’s is the largest department store in the US, and despite having lower Google search rankings, the store receives over 1.2 million hashtags on Instagram and 2.3 billion views on TikTok.

ASOS predicts trends for Gen Z in 2023

Mamas & Papas reports record Christmas

Nursery retailer and brand, Mamas & Papas reported a sales increase of 16% year-on-year for the eight weeks to 25 December 2022.

The retailer saw its best ever trading day on 25 November Friday – when 30 of its 52 stores set new sales records.

Store-based sales increased by 27%, due to both double-digit like-for-like sales, and new store openings.

The brand said it plans to continue its expansion in 2023 with more concessions with Marks & Spencer and Next. 17 new concessions opened across the two retailers in 2022.

“We’re delighted to be reporting such a strong performance as we head for a record-breaking financial year,” commented Mark Saunders, chief executive. “Despite the ongoing cost of living challenges for many customers, we’re continuing to see the resilience across all product categories in the nursery market, where we’re now achieving a 17% share.

“We’re also developing new brand partnerships and product launches while increasing investment in our communities and colleagues through our ESG agenda.”

Design experts at ASOS have unveiled their predictions for the top five trends in 2023 for Gen Z – with the 2029 demographic set to take their inspiration from Ariel, Barbie and Ken and Noughties icons.

Film and music stars are expected to have a big influence on fashion this year. Avatar: The Way of Water and The Little Mermaid could drive appetite for sheer and ethereal dresses and tops, while the release of the Barbie movie will see bright pink featuring again.

Gen Z favourite Olivia Rodrigo is due to release new music in 2023, with ASOS predicting that her love of grunge and 1990s’ fashion will be a source of inspiration, alongside Zendaya and Wednesday star Jenna Ortega Ballet core is tipped to grow its popularity – with pastel tones of greys, nudes, creams and white driving looks that feel feminine yet functional.

Catwalks have seen a resurgence of Noughties denim brands such as Diesel, while double denim is a key look. Finally, traditional trainers are back, with sales particularly strong for Adidas Samba and Gazelle styles.

Below: The new DFS collection features re-mastered signature Cath Kidston prints.

Above: Harrods finished above both Selfridges and Macy’s.

Above: Mamas & Papas is planning more concessions with M&S and Next in 2023.

Having kicked off with Top Drawer and Harrogate Christmas and Gift earlier in January, the spring trade fair calendar is in full swing for the UK licensing business. While Toy Fair New York now occupies a new autumn slot, the return of Spielwarenmesse for the first time since 2020, plus the ‘must attends’ that are London Toy Fair and Spring Fair mean there will be plenty of new product, innovation and networking for the community to get their teeth into.

Fair facts

Aand events manager at the BTHA, how important the licensed toy sector is to Toy Far, her response is instant and unequivocal: “Incredibly important”.

Rebecca continues: “Licensed toys are one of the main drivers of the toy market so it’s crucial that we have a great representation of licensed toys and games at the show. This is something we strive for every year and Toy Fair 2023 really does have a great variety.”

Toy Fair is returning to London’s Olympia from 24-26 January and, as ever, there will be a whole host of exhibitors showcasing licensed toys on their stands. These include companies such as Just Play, 8th Wonder, Bladez Toys, Jazwares, Fizz Creations, Funko, Rainbow Designs, FOCO, Golden Bear Toys, LEGO, MV Sports, Orange Tree

others, while Smiffys and Rubies will be flying the flag for the dress-up category.

“Licensing over the years has become a huge part of the toy sector and one that is continuously growing,” Rebecca offers. “With the rise in popularity of licensed toys, the show has come to mirror this, which is only natural. There are peaks and troughs throughout the industry sectors, with some areas proving more popular and burgeoning in particular years than others, but overall we look to ensure that there is a good representation of all key toy categories.”

Inset: LEGO Minions were present at Entrance Mitte at Spielwarenmesse 2020. Right: Rebecca Deeming, communications and events manager, BTHA.

Inset: The BTHA says that it’s ‘crucial’ to have a great representation of licensed toys and games at Toy Fair.

In addition to the stand showcases, Rebecca also highlights the Demo Zone as a good place to see licensed lines. Products are demonstrated to a live audience of children and across the big screens at the show. The Hero Toys showcase should also include a selection of licensed toys.

Licences are also firmly part of the portfolio for Spielwarenmesse. The show – which returns to Nuremberg this year (1-5 February) for the first time since 2020 – is “delighted” at the commitment of the licensing sector, with Christian Ulrich, spokesperson of the executive board of Spielwarenmesse eG, telling LSB: “Licensors, agencies, specialist retailers – the whole of the licensing sector gathers in Nuremberg in February. We are delighted at this commitment and we foster meaningful discussion through targeted elements of the fair. These range from product presentations and exclusive networking arrangements to the dissemination of knowledge.”

Spielwarenmesse has worked closely with Licensing International for a number of years and,

Spring Fair highlights

as well as toy companies, this year’s exhibitors also include the likes of Abysse, Pyramid, Wonder (Amscan) and Santoro – underlining its impact across the wider licensing industry.

“Licences are everywhere across the entire exhibition site,” Christian continues. “Visitors can also enhance their expertise in the business of licensing: in the Toy Business Forum in Hall 3A, the LicenseTalks will be taking place every morning from Wednesday to Saturday.

“Here, international industry experts will be devoting themselves to the latest trends in licensing, highlight valuable examples of best practice, and providing tips for new entrants.

“A further highlight at the Spielwarenmesse is the LicensePreview, where licensors will have the opportunity to present their new products to selected business partners in an exclusive atmosphere.”

In addition, Christian also recommends taking in the redesigned ToyTrend World of Experience which is in Hall 3A, which deals with the ‘Brands for Fans’ trend.

“This focuses on not only current but also retro characters from TV and film, for children and adults,” he explains.

Spring Fair (5-8 February, Birmingham NEC) encompasses 14 sectors within four destinations across eight halls – Home (including Living & Décor), Housewares, Everyday and The Summerhouse, Gift (including Christmas, Floral and Seasonal Decorations) and Moda fashion featuring its own Catwalk as well as Jewellery & Watch, Womenswear, Fashion Accessories and Footwear.

In addition, there will also be the newly launched responsible sourcing show, Source Home & Gift.

Licensing will undoubtedly feature across a wide range of sectors with some names to look out for including Wonder (Amscan), Blade & Rose, Blue Sky Studios, Burgon & Ball, Elf on the Shelf UK, Enesco, Fanattik, Fizz Creations, Half Moon Bay, Jardinopia, Mad Beauty, Museums & Galleries, Nemesis Now and Stor among others.

Elsewhere, the Inspiring Retail Stage has a packed programme of speakers including retail entrepreneur and TV Dragon, Theo Paphitis who will be delving into some of the current challenges facing businesses across the UK, as well as the opportunities that can often arise out of tougher trading conditions.

Helena Mansell-Stopher, ceo of Products of Change, will also be leading a panel discussion on new packaging legislation, how it impacts the retail sector and how to embrace the new wide-ranging packing requirement challenges.

Right: Theo Paphitis will be speaking as part of the Inspiring Retail Stage programme at Spring Fair.

Inset: Christian Ulrich, spokesperson of the executive board at Spielwarenmesse eG.

Maximalism, bold colours, strong solidarity, thoughtfulness, dreamy nostalgia and calming nature are just some of the trends predicted by some leading artists agencies and picture libraries over the coming year. LSB serves up a smorgasbord of what these experienced aesthetic bellwethers cite as the cultural drivers of our creative tastes for 2023.

Feast for

the eyes

Sue Bateman, director, Yellow House Art

Licensing

Sue’s trio of design trends are…

Strong Bold Colours

“Customers will be looking for joy in bright colours, something that will distract from the gloomy political situation. The Pantone colour for the year is Viva Magenta - warm, vibrant but natural. We will also be looking for escapism in subject matter as well as colour palette.”

Hand-crafted

“As our lives become more governed by tech, the more clients will want to explore the work of hand-painted/crafted art. It will also be important that the art has been created by a named artist. The techniques involved will be celebrated. The feel of the stock and how it works with the image will be more important as cellowrap is gradually discontinued.”

Calming Nature

“For something a little more calming, customers will be looking for designs that show a direct link to nature. The themes are of animals, birds, wildlife and landscape. The colour palette is restful and calming.”

Hannah Curtis, md, Creative Sparrow UK

Hannah’s trio of design trends are…

Uplifting

“Social stationery is a beautiful way to share uplifting messages which are needed more than ever in the postCovid world of perma-crisis. Bold typography mixed with vibrant colours make this theme really joyous. Designs share reaffirming messages of hope and positivity, with their use of handlettered typography and vibrant hues within a complementing palette.”

Solidarity

“With so many political and social issues affecting our thought processes there is a real wave of ‘I stand with…’. Standing up in solidarity with people, rights, movements and making sure there is a collective voice that will not be silenced is important. Design will see anything from the obvious to the symbolic showing the mutual support especially with individuals with a common interest.”

Reflective

“We have had so much to reflect upon in recent years and as we officially enter this new Carolean era we not only celebrate the new and changed world, but reflect on the past. But this trend is not a dreamy-eyed nostalgia but something more meaningful. We will see beautiful imagery characterised by deep thought for those who want to send a clear message of thoughtfulness.”

Left: Paul Thurlby’s new escapism images feature beaches and sunshine (represented by Yellow House Art Licensing). Below: Sue Bateman.

Above: Hannah Curtis. Below: An Erin Donohoe design that epitomises the solidarity trend (represented by Creative Sparrow).

Bhavi Patel, art licensing manager and Amanda Hendon, global manager, Advocate Art

Bhavi’s and Amanda’s trio of design trends are… Retro Basics

“This theme sees colour palettes stripped back as we focus on softer, pastel, earthly tones. The Retro Basics trend draws focus on nostalgic patterns, icons and fonts, which also offers the opportunities to celebrate cultural references. Inspired by the classics, such as William Morris and Van Gogh, this theme brings traditional painterly styles and floral details into more modern motifs across woodland creatures, secret gardens, royal aspects and even pop culture. This theme oozes charm as it introduces new techniques and palettes to original icons and their characteristics.”

Shine Bright

“Shine Bright screams positivity with its bright palettes, bold shapes and patchwork and cottagecore patterns. Inspired by motifs from sea creatures, jungle animals, simplistic animal forms, bumble bees, rainbows, fruit and icons with smiley faces, they combine with witty pick-me-ups and a play on words, resulting in a perfect match to uplift the mood. Its limited colours create a modern, minimalistic look making this trend appeal to both the younger and older markets.”

Silk Road

“Silk Road is equal parts luxurious and decadent. From regal big cats and tropical birds to rustic renaissance gardens, it's the smell of night blooming jasmine, the warmth of an expertly brewed pot of tea, the feeling of petting the softest kitten, and the visual feast of an ornate Persian rug. Bright colours (particularly rich pinks), unique icons and fanciful details bring this trend to life.”

Jo Astles, greetings and gift agent, The Bright Agency

Jo’s trio of design trends are…

Mental Health

“Mental wellbeing continues to be a focus; consumers are wanting to see this expressed in design and become normalised. Cards that include words of affirmations and peaceful scenes are increasingly popular. Spirituality takes front stage too with more and more people considering astrology and tarot cards as direction for their peace of mind.”

Bold Maximalism

strong, bold designs and colour palettes reflect the challenges we’re facing each day, and the type of attitude we’ll need in the coming year. Bright and colourful patterns that invoke inclusivity and individuality are on the rise. Maximalism is what the people want, cards packed full showing aspirational large family gatherings and drinks overflowing, whether embellished or foiled, as long as it shines.”

Small Occasions

“Although ‘big holidays’ are important, we are beginning to see a rise in ‘mini occasions’. Regardless of your love language, people love a reason to give and receive gifts. We’re constantly looking for ways to celebrate smaller moments in life such as Galentine’s, pet birthdays and more.”

Right: This Bea Muller design lends itself to marking smaller life events.

Above: An elaborate design by Jaime Cromer (represented by Advocate Art). Left (above and below): Bhavi Patel and Amanda Hendon.

Left: Jo Astles.

2023 is set to be biggest our year yet!

Predicting

the future

The Insights Family launched its annual Future Forecast 2023 report in January this year, which looks to highlight some of the key trends coming out of the kids, teens, parents and family ecosystem, and what we should keep an eye out for over the next 12 months.

The report has continued to track and monitor the impact of numerous key factors that impact the kids, teens, parents and family ecosystems such as Covid-19, advancing technology and the issue of climate change, and how these are evolving and transforming the attitudes, behaviour and consumption patterns of kids, teens, parents and families all over the world.

Founder of The Insights Family, Nick Richardson, comments: “Our purpose is to inspire organisations to put kids, teens, parents and families at the heart of everything they do. There is no doubt that kids, teens, parents and families are enduring a challenging time with conflict, inflation, poverty all on the rise, while food, disposable income and individuals’ mental health all in decline. That said, our Future Forecast is intended to be a positive report making predictions on what we think could be coming next based on our research, data, insights and instinct.

“There is no doubt that 2023 will represent some challenges for organisations, that said there are so many opportunities for organisations to re-purpose themselves for the next generation of consumers, whose attitudes, behaviour and consumption is so far removed from previous generations.”

The Insights Family has highlighted 13 top trends to look out for – with these ranging from gaming making its way to the high street, the pace of evolution in digital learning, plus subscription services to come together and collaborate as linear TV begins to make a return to screens. The report’s key predictions include ‘the world will become kids-first’ as kids continue to grow more powerful as consumers, and force brands to adapt to the new dynamic. Furthermore, a key focus is

Inset: Nick Richardson, founder, The Insights Family.

Below: Future Forecast 2023 is the fifth iteration of the report.

‘brands will build via gamified communities’ as the gaming explosion continues to present new lucrative opportunities to build brand connection, affinity and awareness.

The speed of change is significant, and all industries have to transform quickly to adjust to the changing ecosystems attitudes, behaviour and consumption patterns of this generation of kids, teens, parents and families. There is no doubt that everything is connected. If kids are spending more time and money on gaming, they have less time and money to spend on something else. Therefore, it is vital for organisations to hold a complete understanding of their audience.

Gaming giants such as Roblox, Minecraft, Fortnite, as well as rapidly emerging games like Among Us have provided a space for kids to communicate and play together, and gaming has become the optimal platform to stay connected. Consequently, we have seen an explosion of gamified communities that were built, grown, and maintained entirely through video games, and remain entirely within these spaces. This begs the question of whether socialising is as strong a motivating factor as playing a video game itself.

According to Kids Insights data, gaming is the number one hobby globally among kids of all ages, including young kids, tweens and teens, with it being particularly strong in countries like the US (33.1%), Mexico (14.3%), and Brazil (12.7%). The move from Epic to develop its ‘core’ platform

available to the masses including brands is an indication that the direction of travel is to enable access to gaming communities in an open transparent way.

The opportunities for brands currently in gaming are already highly lucrative, as kids and teens are willing to spend their money on new games, as well as in-game purchases such as customising their characters and avatars. Kids Insights data reveals that in the US, teens aged between 13-15 spent an average of $95 over the course of 2022 on video games. In the US alone. With 84% of US teens reporting to playing video games, or 18.9 million teens, meaning that the US teen gaming economy alone in 2022 was worth c$1.8 billion. Brands in this space are seeing an uplift to their brand scores, with our brand trackers unlocking increases of up to 10% with the right approach to gaming community activity.

The Insights Family believes that if you have a brand that is looking to market to children and young people, the time is now to develop on and pivot your strategy to include this space. There are opportunities to combine media planning, marketing and game play to work together to include an activation into an already existing game or a brand new gaming community.

The complementary Future Forecast report, featuring a range of trends, is available to download by visiting: https://get.theinsightsfamily.com/futureforecast/

Inset: DC’s Black Adam appeared in Fortnite in October 2022, just one of the brands the game has teamed up with over the past year.

Below: According to Kids Insights data, gaming is the number one hobby globally among kids of all ages.

Ahead of

the game

According to new figures released by the ERA, gaming enjoyed another strong year in 2022 and this continued success bodes well for the growth of gaming as a licensed category. LSB rounds up some of the latest news.

Tinderbox expands partnerships for COD: Modern Warfare II

Tinderbox – the digital division of Beanstalk –revealed a new wave of products to coincide with the launch of the latest title in the Call of Duty franchise.

Modern Warfare made its hotly anticipated return to the franchise with a sequel to the bestselling title of 2019.

Tying in with the launch, licensed apparel partner, Fashion UK, expanded its presence across European retail in fast fashion and grocery accounts with MWII branded collections, while Trucare launched its first range of Call of Duty apparel into the Middle East.

Online, Zavvi.com expanded upon its MWII reveal range with a new fashion capsule collection.

Gifting specialists, Abysse and Koyo have created a range of products, across novelty, drinkware and home accessories, while Displate has an array of metal posters available on its web store. Vinyl figurine partner, YouTooz also launched a limited collection of MWII figurines.

UK games market grows to £4.7m

Last year saw the UK games market’s sales grow to £4,664.4m, up 2.3% yr on yr, with gaming accounting for 42.1% of total entertainment revenues in 2022, according to preliminary figures from digital entertainment and retail association, ERA Games remains the largest of the three entertainment sectors covered by ERA – with the other two being music and video.

Physical games software sales were soft, falling 4.5% to £488.6m compared with 2021 and now account for just 10% of the overall sector.

Conversely, the best performer was console downloads, up 12.2% to £724.7m. These are still significantly smaller, however, than mobile and tablet games which were up 3.2% to £1,486.8m and the catch-all ‘other digital’ category (up 0.2%) at £1,747.4m.

The biggest selling console game was FIFA 23 which sold 2.39m units across digital and physical formats in the final instalment of the 29-year partnership between its publisher EA and football’s world governing body.

“Gaming remains the often-unheralded leader of the entertainment market,” said Kim Bayley, ceo at ERA “While growth at 2.3% was lower than that of video or music, its scale is enormous and in terms of innovation and excitement it continues to set the pace for the entire entertainment sector.”

The value of the UK home entertainment sector as a whole soared to £11.2 billion in 2022 – an all-time record for music, video and games sales.

In addition, within the burgeoning streaming space, gamers have been able to personalise their content online video with a collection of Call of Duty branded streaming overlays from Own3d.

Above: FIFA 23 was the biggest selling console game in 2022. Below left: The wave of new products coincided with the return of the hit Call of Duty franchise.

EA and Marvel reveal new collaboration

Video games giant Electronic Arts is collaborating with Marvel on a long-term deal to develop action adventure games.

The agreement will cover at least three new action adventure games for consoles and PC. Each will be its own original story set in the Marvel universe, with the first title in development being a single player, third person action adventure Iron Man game from Motive Studios.

“We have been long-time fans of Marvel and their impressive leadership, so this is a remarkable moment for our developers as well as our players and fans,” commented Laura Miele, coo at EA. “We look forward to welcoming Marvel into the EA family of creators and know this collaboration will produce exceptional experiences for our players. We can’t wait to see players’ reactions when they suit up as Iron Man and do the extraordinary things this super hero is known for.”

Changes at SYBO as Subway Surfers continues growth

SYBO has confirmed that Philip Hickey company as chief marketing officer, while Naz Amarchi-Cuevas departed at the end of last year.

Phil is charged with ‘unlocking the next level’ of marketing opportunities as its Subway Surfers game and brand continues to grow in its second decade –including setting strategy for a new genre that SYBO is entering in the puzzle category.

Phil joins SYBO from Seriously Digital Entertainment where he led brand, marketing and communications for eight years for the popular Best Fiends game. Prior to that, he was responsible for heading the marketing strategy and execution for Angry Birds.

Meanwhile, Naz Amarchi-Cuevas – who joined SYBO in 2017 and has been serving as chief commercial officer for Subway Surfers – left the company at the end of 2022.

Farshore’s Minecraft sales hit over 35 million

Farshore – the official publisher for Minecraft books – has revealed worldwide sales of over 35 million books in 45 languages since it first acquired Minecraft titles from the developer Mojang Studios in 2013.

In the UK alone Farshore has sold over eight million copies and landed over ten top ten titles (Nielsen Bookscan). JanuarySeptember 2022 Bookscan figures show Minecraft publishing in the UK is up 20% on 2021 in retail sales value.

The creative team has produced over 80 titles in the past ten years, raising the bar in terms of how video games are represented on the printed page – even publishing the original Blockopedia in a groundbreaking hexagonal format in 2014.

Farshore’s Minecraft publishing will celebrate its tenth anniversary in 2023, with a wide ranging programme of titles including three new young fiction titles and the third in the Bite-Size Builds series. The company will also launch a new drawing book Minecraft: How to Draw, to give kids and gamers stepby-step tips to draw their favourite mobs and create big, blocky scenes.

PUBG Mobile partners with Maserati

Hit mobile game, PUBG Mobile recently partnered with luxury car brand, Maserati. The deal – facilitated by Endeavor-owned IMG –gave players a chance to command some of Maserati’s first-class sports cars in-game.

The cars introduced in PUBG Mobile included the super sportscar MC20, Maserati’s lightweight yet powerful coupe with a 3.0 litre twin-turbo V6 engine, and the robust but stylish Levante, Maserati’s SUV offering, as well as a special unlockable surprise vehicle.

Players were able to take the wheel of Maserati’s sports cars from 18 November through to 31 December 2022.

“We’re always looking to provide players with partnerships that enrich the PUBG Mobile experience,” commented Vincent Wang, head of PUBG Mobile Publishing at Tencent Games

Above: Maserati was the ‘perfect partner’ for PUBG Mobile to collaborate with, says the company.

World’s first Uncharted rollercoaster ready to ride

Spain’s largest theme park, PortAventura World, has closed a licensing agreement with Sony Pictures to build the first dark ride rollercoaster inspired by the box office hit film Uncharted and based on the popular PlayStation video game franchise.

Opening in mid-2023, the new attraction will be located in the resort’s Far West zone and will allow visitors to go on ‘a dangerous search for one of the greatest treasures ever found’.

The exclusive ride reaches over 12 metres high in a unique enveloping space which will be 4,800 square metres and 16 metres high.

Above: Farshore’s Minecraft publishing will celebrate its tenth anniversary in 2023.

Below: The agreement will cover at least three new action adventure games for consoles and PC.

Above: SYBO’s Philip Hickey with Naz Amarchi-Cuevas.

Thanks to the strides of the licensing industry –ably assisted by Products of Change, the global educational hub driving sustainable change across consumer product markets and beyond –sustainable dreams are beginning to become reality. LSB highlights some of the latest news.

The green dream

Formula E sets ‘record-breaking benchmark’

Formula E has been ranked the Best Total Performer from a table of over 300 global sports organisations in the 2022 Global Sustainability Benchmark in Sports (GSBS) report.

The purpose-driven motorsport also ranked the highest in three of the four other categories in the report including Best Corporate Performance, Best Environmental Performance and Best Governance Performance

It was the Italian football club, Juventus, which won the report’s Best Social Performance title.

GSBS is an independent, global, not for profit organisation which analyses and benchmarks the sustainability performance of professional sports organisations. Its 2022 study analysed more than 50 elite sports organisations of more than 300 invited to take part.

Others ranked in the report include the NFL, NBA, FIFA, Formula 1, UFC and WWE.

JCB rolls out Sustainable Packaging Guide

JCB has developed and launched its own Consumer Products Sustainable Packaging Guide to help licensing partners review their packaging solutions and improve sustainability. The guide is part of current efforts to bring the team’s consumer products division into full alignment with the values of the wider JCB business. It was created in 2022 and introduced to coincide with the introduction of packaging Extended Producer Responsibility legislation in January 2023.

JCB has made some big changes to its core construction business since 2010, working to reduce the carbon impact of its machinery through efficiency. It modelled the guide on the one it already implements across its supply chain.

Jamie Reigle, ceo at Formula E, said: “Setting the global standard for sustainability in sport has been a core characteristic of Formula E since we began in 2014. We also acknowledge the efforts in sustainability by other major sports organisations around the world and welcome that progress.

“Together, we have the potential to engage billions of fans in the mission to combat climate change and make a positive difference to the lives of future generations.”

“The Guide identifies three key priorities,” commented Katie Lane, JCB’s brand licensing manager. “First is to optimise design and design packaging thoughtfully to ensure every element is necessary.

“Second is to source sustainably and maximise recycled and responsibly sourced content.

“Third is to support recycling and prioritise the circular economy, planning for the full lifecycle of the packaging.”

The Sustainable Packaging Guide is now being shared with licensees as JCB works alongside them to identify the areas of priority.

Inset: Formula E ranked as the Best Total Performer

“Trees, Gromit”: Aardman extends The National Forest partnership

Shaun the Sheep is fronting a new three-year campaign from The National Forest Company’s Dedicate a Tree initiative to plant its ten millionth tree.

The partnership between the UK conservation charity and the British animation studio, Aardman was made official in November 2022, marking National Tree Week with the launch of a new promotional campaign to social media.

The campaign features Shaun the Sheep and his friends alongside a new red squirrel character named Stash to represent a positive vision of the future where maturing forests can help restore native species.

The partnership will highlight the many benefits of planting trees and how it can help tackle climate change. Trees have always been a catalyst for change in the National Forest, with more than nine million planted in the last 30 years

Aardman has previously worked in partnership with The National Forest to drive education among young people and families around the importance of tree-planting and biodiversity.

Lucy Wendover, marketing director at Aardman, has earmarked the environment and sustainability as “priorities for Aardman”, the Bristol-based studio which remains “positive the partnership will engage and educate kids and families on the importance of supporting a more sustainable future”.

Rubies Zero is dress-up expert’s drive to lead costume category change

Dress-up specialist, Rubies has launched an initiative to protect the environment and drive its ambitions to become carbon neutral under its Rubies Zero banner.

The plan will help the licensed costume expert evolve its business towards “becoming fully climate conscious”.

“We firmly believe that part of being a hero is also preserving our planet,” said Rubies’ licensing manager EMEA, Aurélie Waklawski. “There’s a real climate crisis and we all need to take responsibility to make a difference. As the world’s largest designer, distributor and manufacturer of costumes and accessories, we need to lead the industry by example and use our position as a fancy-dress powerhouse for positive change.”

Among the measures taken by Rubies, the introduction of its Green Collection features a selection of machine washable dress-up items featuring its biggest licences, all created using recycled plastic. The company is also promoting circular principles in its charity partnerships to promote pre-loved and stock donation.

For 2023, Rubies is eyeing a number of takeback programmes with its key retail partners.

“We’re working on educating the business and further reducing our carbon footprint,” said Aurélie. “We’ve started by opening a new design centre in the UK which will save samples being sent back and forth from Asia. We will continue to look at ways to reduce the impact of costume manufacturing at the same time as growing our Green Collection.”

Redan Eco Award win an ‘important moment for kids’ magazines’

Redan Publishing has said its win at the Progressive Preschool Awards in November 2022 is an important moment for the children’s magazine category “as a whole” for progressing the narrative around sustainability in business.

Redan secured the event’s firstever Eco Award last year for the sustainable design efforts behind its new-look Fun to Learn Peppa Pig Bag o’ Fun kids’ magazine free, 100% recyclable cardboard wrapper that not only provides an alternative to poly-bag magazine packaging but offers additional educational content for kids to explore.

The innovation places the popular Hasbro preschool IP at the centre of an ‘important moment for the children’s magazine category, as a whole’.

“Winning the first Eco Award is truly fantastic as it recognises our commitment to making change on a sustainability front,” said Joanne Ellis, marketing and licensing manager at Redan Publishing. “This is not only great for Redan but also for the children’s magazine category as a whole. Finding and implementing more sustainable products and solutions is at the forefront of our business decisions and being awarded by industry experts for one of our sustainable measures is amazing.”

Redan Publishing is committed to an ongoing sustainable development journey, part of which includes an investment in the recycling and environmental educational programme, Recycle to Read, to “help develop a sustainable circular economy for the magazine and toy industries,” said Joanne.

Above: The new partnership will highlight the many benefits of planting trees and how it can help tackle climate change.

Above right: Some of the Redan team accepting the Eco Award at last year’s Progressive Preschool Awards.

WE SIMPLIFY SUSTAINABILITY

A membership community to support and educate your transition to a sustainable and profitable future.

We work with:

• Brand Owners

• Licensed Manufacturers

• Retailers

To help you build:

• For the environment

• For society

• For the future

With education and support with:

• Governance

• Legislation

• Guidelines

Products of Change Membership

Products of Change Media

Products of Change Events

Products of Change Consultancy

Driving business towards a regenerative future

Online educational modules

Online digital hub to connect with members

Sustainable research and insights

Live webinars

Topic specific working groups

Discount to in-person workshops

Discount to our annual conference (SILC)

A safe community to learn together

Minecraft Education braves the cold with Frozen Planet II

BBC Studios has partnered with Minecraft Education to bring the animals and landscapes of BBC Earth’s popular Frozen Planet II to the immersive video game system.

Together, the pair have created five free Frozen Planet II worlds inspired by the landmark series, enabling players – for the first time ever – to play from the perspective of a penguin, bumblebee or even a polar bear.

Minecraft: Education Edition provides educational content for schools around the world, helping students learn about a variety of subjects through creative gameplay. It’s Mojang Studios’ belief it has a responsibility to use Minecraft to build a better world.

The educational Frozen Planet II content is available in 29 different languages and comes accompanied by lesson plans for teachers to educate and inspire students about the importance of our frozen worlds and explore the effects of climate change as part of classroom curriculum.

Elizabeth White, series producer of Frozen Planet II, said: “We are delighted to partner with Minecraft on this range of educational computer games which will enable children to interact with stories inspired by the series through gameplay and learn more about the challenges of these habitats through the additional lesson content.”

NFL Players Association forms Green Team

The NFL Players Association has established its own Green Team to help drive the operation’s sustainability strategy, marking its first step towards implementing sustainable development across the company.

Its formation coincides with the appointment of NFL Players Inc’s president, Steven Scebelo to the role of US Sports Ambassador for Products of Change. Steven will use the Association’s position of influence to encourage sustainable development within the US sports licensing sector.

It’s a similar role the NFLPA sees itself playing to take sustainability to audiences across the world. The business wants to harness the power of sport and the reach of its athletes to act as ambassadors for sustainable development and environmental ambitions.

“Our players enjoy a position of influence. Pairing that with causes they have affinity with is a great way to take this conversation far and wide,” said Steven. “I’m pleased to join the POC community as US Sports Ambassador and look forward to helping drive sustainable development across the licensed sports consumer goods sector here in the US.

“Meanwhile, our Green Team will drive those efforts here at the NFLPA as we learn and develop along this journey together.”

The Smurfs champion gender equality

The Smurfs are doing their bit to promote gender equality across its global audiences with the launch of a new style guide for 2023, placing the Sustainable Development Goal number five at the centre of its look. The 2023 look places Smurfette front and centre of the campaign to drive gender equality with messaging including We Smurf All Equals, Equality has no Gender and He For She on various graphics depicting the strength and resilience of the only female Smurf.

Since June 2019, IMPS – the licence holder for The Smurfs – has worked with the United Nations as part of the UN’s Media Pact to act as ambassadors of the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Under the agreement, the brand routinely calls out these goals through activations and campaigns, such as European Beach Clean-Ups and more.

Goal number five, Gender Equality is the strive to achieve equality and empower all women and girls around the world. It is set out to tackle vital issues surrounding inequality.

Above: BBC Studios and Minecraft Education have created five free Frozen Planet II worlds inspired by the landmark series.

Above: The 2023 look places Smurfette front and centre of the campaign to drive gender equality.

Above: The establishment of the Green Team marks NFLPA’s first step towards implementing sustainable development across the company.

News of the world

It’s back – LSB’s annual temperature check of the global licensing industry. We ask licensors and agents based outside the UK to share their highs and lows of 2022, their strategies for a successful 2023, plus the words they’d use to describe business in the year just gone and the new one just beginning.

France: Marie-Laure Marchand, svp global consumer products & business development, Chefclub

“2022 was a year of content growth and diversification for Chefclub. We produced over 15 new shows, took our first steps into the streaming and FAST markets and announced the development of our first animated series, in collaboration with Somewhere Animation. Restaurant chain Flunch debuted a Chefclub promotion at 160 locations across the country, and we also launched a location-based initiative with

Canada: Corey Caplan, senior director of international sales, Guru Studio

“The kids’ content business is going through a period of transition right now. That said, our shows are growing their audience and reach thanks to the strength of great broadcast and licensing partnerships around the world.  Our focus continues to be on creating new original IP with strong character-driven stories. We’re delighted with how well True and the Rainbow Kingdom is performing globally and we’re seeing success in many key markets for our consumer products. It’s also had over 1bn views on YouTube. We’re excited about the launch of the show on Cameo Kids. True was one of a select few properties to be brought onto the platform at launch, together with CocoMelon, Blippi and Thomas the Tank Engine.

We’re also pleased to have acquired worldwide media and L&M rights for the animated adventure series 123 Number Squad from Omens Studios in Singapore. The show is scheduled to launch on Sky Kids and NOW in the UK in early 2023.

Our challenge as an independent content studio is securing funding for new, original IP. On the plus side, the Canadian retail landscape hasn’t been as negatively impacted as some markets overseas.

My word for both 2022 and 2023 is the same: persistence.”

Klépierre shopping centres in France that will see live ‘Playfood’ events taking place in their 12 biggest malls next year.

As a family cooking brand, we’d like to further develop Chefclub experiences and will be looking for partners in this category in Europe and North America. We will also focus our efforts

Inset: Corey says the Guru team is “delighted” with how well True and the Rainbow Kingdom is performing globally.

Above: 2022 was a year of content growth and diversification for Chefclub, says Marie-Laure.

on promotions and will be looking for key strategic partnerships across multiple territories.

As a family cooking brand with an edutainment approach, Chefclub will continue to expand its reach towards families and kids. We’ve recently appointed distribution partners in the US, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Benelux, Canada and the Middle East for our own Chefclub kids’ product range. We are also developing some exciting content aimed at this target group which will also increase our brand awareness and create different touchpoints with new fans. 2022 was promising, and 2023 is exciting – let’s push the boundaries!”

US: Kerry Phelan, chief brand officer, Genius Brands

“2022 was a very good building and growth year for Genius Brands. Our focus in 2023 will be on launching our newest brand, Shaq’s Garage, which features a new animated series starring Shaquille O’Neal and a robust consumer products programme. We will also begin seeking partners for the newest show in our portfolio, Wolfgang Puck’s Secret Chef Academy. And, of course, we will continue the celebrations for Stan Lee’s 100th birthday into 2023.

The distribution landscape is constantly changing, so building strategic partnerships will be key and delivering high-quality content that fits with broadcaster and streamer needs will be critical. We believe we have the goods to do that.

Unlocking mass market retail is the biggest challenge in this risk-averse environment for new, original IP. However, there are always opportunities for growth. For example, in 2022, we entered the e-commerce/DTC space and opened two new online stores; one for the Stan Lee brand, and one for our property Bee & PuppyCat, now available on Netflix, which has a highly engaged, cult-like fan base.

Two words to sum up 2022 and 2023: positive persistence.”

Germany: Marco Huesges, ceo/founder, the emoji company

“2022 was a solid year. We operated global promotion and loyalty campaigns with partners such as Burger King and Aldi, launched a DTR programme with Lidl across multiple European countries, as well as a programme for backpacks with Carrefour in France. We ran multiple mall events in China and Mexico, launched our first emoji brand NFT collection and developed our first game for PC, console and handheld.

We’re looking forward to the launch of several emoji arcade machines globally.

US: Leslie Levine, owner/founder, Licensing Works!

“Overall, 2022 was better than expected. We added new clients, new manufacturers, new retail partners and expanded our business into new product categories. This year, we’ll be celebrating the 80th anniversary of The Little Prince, the 25th anniversary of The Mask of Zorro, the 30th anniversary of Puppy In My Pocket and the 100th anniversary of the Winchester Mystery House executing rich, 360-degree programmes in celebration of these big milestones.

We’re constantly challenging ourselves to adapt to changing market requirements and new opportunities. We want to focus on great ideas that are clearly communicated, because everyone is feeling time-pressed.

Many retailers are working through inventory that arrived late or is in surplus, leaving them reluctant to buy during Q1 2023. On the positive side, we can see opportunities in the digital/metaverse space, and in the fields of immersive entertainment, new media and e-commerce.

My word for 2022 is collaboration. And for 2023? Celebration!”

Other noteworthy partnerships include brand collaborations for apparel with partners such as iDO (Italy), Bershka (worldwide), Don’t Call Me Jennyfer (France) and Too Many Shoes (China), and food partnerships with Lorenz Bahlsen and Eggelbusch

As a licensor, the biggest challenge right now is to predict how long the individual challenges in the market will influence the business of our partners – and hence ours. However, we foresee tremendous growth opportunities in the digital space, from video and mobile games to arcade gaming and gambling. Our company has aligned with bestin-class partners in those categories and will present product to the market throughout 2023/2024.

Unforeseeable is the word that I would use for 2022, and for 2023, projectable.”

Above: Kerry says that celebrations will continue for Stan Lee’s 100th in 2023.

Above and below: Licensing Works expanded into new categories in 2022, says Lesley.

Left: The emoji company’s Marco sees growth opportunities in the digital space among others.

Spain: Christine Cool, global licensing manager, Perfetti van Melle

“2022 was another significant growth year. Our group now licences 10 of its popular brands and last year we launched the licensing programme in the Indian and Brazilian markets.

Chupa Chups rolled out several categories across new markets and we also entered the frozen novelty space with our brand Fruit-tella in Iceland stores across the UK. The toy category took a big leap with launches of collectable branded dolls, miniatures and plush toys by MGA L.O.L., Moose Toys, Zuru, Super Impulse and others, which will see further expansion in 2023.

In 2022 we were confronted with the challenge of inflation putting a brake on consumption. We’ve also seen some launch timings jeopardised by supply issues, and new lockdown measures in China. Despite that, we’re anticipating growth in 2023, with several significant food and beverage launches coming up: the first-ever Mentos soft drink will be launched in Europe and protein supplements of Chupa Chups and Airheads will debut internationally. In addition, this year Chupa Chups will be entering the NFT space – watch out for two exciting launches on major platforms in the autumn. 2022 and 2023 were both sweet, of course.”

US: Russell Binder, founding partner, Striker Entertainment

“We experienced growth in 2022 and intend to build on that momentum in 2023/24. Like all companies, though, we were impacted by the ebb and flow of an inflationary economy and the postpandemic realities of inventory management.

Our sword and shield in 2022 was video game IP

Five Nights at Freddy’s, which has become a billion-dollar retail brand. With more games, a motion picture (going into production in February 2023), and a book series from Scholastic with over 8.5 million books sold, we have a concentrated roadmap of new content and opportunities for the brand. Funko has been instrumental in the growth of our toy and collectables programme, and Steel Wool Studios has breathed new life into the video game sector.

The biggest challenges are staying ahead of the burgeoning content platforms where new IP is being introduced to massive audiences, such as Roblox, TikTok and YouTube. A challenge/opportunity will be watching how the dust ends up settling in the Web3/NFT space.

There is always the opportunity for growth. If you pay close attention, you can always find burgeoning businesses that are ripe to approach with the concept of applying third party IP to their products and/or services. We never stop looking, learning, listening, and digging…

2022 was mercurial. When it comes to 2023, I’m cautiously optimistic.”

Spain: Valentin Ortiz, ceo, Stor

“2022

has been a fantastic year, above forecasts and initial expectations

Based on what we’ve achieved, our main goal for 2023 will be to maintain sales at the same levels. Licence-wise, there isn’t one individual strong IP we can see that might drive additional sales so concentrating on our main current ones will be our focus. One of the challenges this year has been to manage growth internally, coordinating all our teams and new arrivals. This integration of new personnel, protocols and communications will be important for us in 2023.

Stock levels at retail are, from our point of view, the main hurdles to overcome. Some retailers over-ordered when refilling their warehouses after the pandemic, and consequently have asked to postpone some of their 2023 orders; there have even been some cancellations. On the plus side, e-commerce keeps growing and is a part of the business that we will be investing in. The generic lifestyle Quokka hydration line is also doing well for the company, so that’s something we need to maintain and look after with regular investment. Awesome is the right description for 2022. For 2023, a big ? would be enough.”

Left and above: Chupa Chups will be entering the NFT space this year, says Christine.

Above: Video game IP Five Nights at Freddy’s was Striker’s “sword and shield” in 2022, says Russell.

Above: 2022 was above forecasts and initial expectations for Stor’s Valentin.

France: Tatiana Rivière-Cherqui, deputy director, TF1 Licensing

“2022 was all about challenge and adaptation, due to geopolitical and economic issues, increased costs at every level and consumers’ declining purchasing power.

In this context, strong licences, especially nostalgic and transgenerational ones – are seen as safe investments. We saw it with Barbapapa through the success of our BarbaLouvre collaboration with the Louvre Museum, and our Barbapatou fashion collaboration with Patou, part of LVMH group.

One of our most successful brands at the moment is Petits Plats en Equilibre, a cooking show focusing on cooking with local, seasonal products. This year, we launched Les Petits Plats de Laurent Mariotte magazine, and partnered with Intermarché for a loyalty programme.

We’re seeing many growth opportunities in the live space. We have major projects being discussed at the moment spanning leisure, tourism and catering. We also foresee opportunities in the metaverse

We’re excited to launch the first animated series soon of Mille Bornes (One Thousand Milestones), a family game that’s very well known in France. And we just announced that the Miraculous movie will be coming to French cinemas on 5 July 2023. It’s a great opportunity for us and our licensees for the brand to create new synergies and major projects.”

Left: Tatiana says that TF1 is seeing many growth opportunities in the live space.

US: Carla Silva, vp and gm, global head of licensing, King Features

“2022 was all about adapting – when facing challenges, it’s so important to stay flexible. We saw product for our Emmy-nominated series The Cuphead Show hit the market and perform well, our brands’ publishing programmes flourished across the globe, we assigned International agents in new territories and secured global representation for Rebel Girls. addition, it was a great year for Popeye fashion.

In 2023, we’ll be focusing on continued growth of our fully owned brands Popeye, Olive Oyl, Flash Gordon and The Phantom

globally, expanding Rebel Girls into new territories worldwide and broadening the US footprint for our other represented brands, Moomin, Crazy Frog, Archie Comics and Pucca. Plus, we’ll be celebrating 50 years of Hägar the Horrible.

Character licensing is extremely competitive right now, with a few IP owners dominating the space. The challenge is grabbing consumers’ attention long enough to inspire the passion needed to drive product purchase.

I see 2023 as a year filled with opportunities, including leveraging Popeye’s 9M+ fanbase on social to secure new deals, and prioritising the expansion of our IP into promotions, gaming and the VR space. 2022 was exhausting but rewarding. 2023 will hopefully be exhilarating.”

Left: 2023 will hopefully be “exhilarating” says Carla.

Sweden: Eva Karlsson, commercial director, Plus Licens

“2022 presented a mix of challenges, new business opportunities and surprises. The NFT-driven Bored of Directors was new to our portfolio and has been well received, as has our new licensee, Danish design company Boyhood, and their signature designed wooden Paul Frank figurines. Our two high-end UCLA collaborations with Highsnobiety and Mercer Amsterdam are keeping the brand relevant beyond the collegiate trends.

Going forward, we’re looking to expand our European portfolio with lifestyle, gaming, sports and additional NFT brands, and to recruit new licensee partners in all of Europe. We’ll be building up to the 50th anniversary of Hello Kitty in 2024, and supporting the growth of all our licensing programmes including within the competitive preschool segment, where we have some great properties like Bluey. Some highlights for 2023 are the 65th anniversary of Paddington, and a new Ghostbusters movie coming in December.

The general state of the economy impacts our own business, as well as our licensees’, with its shrinking margins. High volume/low price point products tend to grow during recessions, and new opportunities include print-on-demand solutions and local production, driven by shorter lead times.

I’d sum up 2022 as challenging. My word for 2023 is inventiveness.”

Above: The UCLA brand is moving beyond collegiate trends with high profile collaborations, says Eva.

US: Robert Marick, evp global consumer products & experiences, MGM

“Last year provided opportunities, growth and change. Change occurred when MGM became part of Prime Video & Amazon Studios. Having the support and resources that Amazon is able to provide will augment our licensing initiatives across new business categories, e-commerce retail and new ways to market and promote our properties.

MGM will start out strong in 2023 as we expand the Wednesday product category offering; continue to grow the Creed franchise with the release of Creed 3 in March; and celebrate several major anniversaries, including Pink Panther’s 60th

Retailers continue to face the after-effects of the pandemic, including excess inventory, manufacturing and distribution challenges, while skyrocketing inflation and limited disposable income continue to impact consumers. Shopping patterns have shifted and with retailers needing to plan as much as one year out, it’s very hard to predict if, how and why a consumer will purchase one popular entertainment licensed brand verses another.

For the past 18 months, we have focused on NFTs and how they might bring early-adopter fans to reimagine how we licence our brands. While NFTs have experienced softness in the marketplace, we believe they’re here to stay. How would I sum up 2022 and 2023? Change is constant (okay, that’s three words).”

Above: Robert says that 2023 will start strong for MGM as it expands the product offering for Wednesday.

US: Ciarán Coyle, president and ceo, LMCA

“We anticipated last year being a transitional period as we came out of the pandemic and looked forward to an easing of supply chain issues and a rebuilding of consumer confidence. However, the challenges with overstocked retailers continued unpredictable nature of the supply chain meant that potential licensees were as cautious as ever, reluctant to commit to long-term licences with significant minimum guarantees.

We have signed some significant new brands in the past 12 months including Castrol, Electrolux, AEG and Frigidaire. We also opened new international offices in Mexico, Brazil and Europe.

As many large companies have looked to consolidate their businesses in 2022, they will need to rely more on external resources which, I anticipate in 2023, will lead to more opportunities for the right agencies to provide both strategic counselling and execution.

2022 was transitional. 2023 will be focused.”

France/US: Jeremy Zag, founder and ceo, ZAG

“Top line, we’ve seen growth in all countries around the world for Miraculous consumer products, and we have had an enthusiastic reception for our latest series, Ghostforce. We activated a number of major cross-promotions for Miraculous, including a multi-territory in-store promotion with Ferrero across its Kinder Surprise eggs, and a McDonalds Happy Meal programme.

In summer, we launched our Miraculous live-show in Argentina, and in autumn, the show premiered in over 29 cities in France. And we already have our dates in June for São Paulo, Brazil.

Ghostforce earned spectacular ratings upon launch, and that is translating into demand for consumer products. Key new partners include Playmates for toys and Rubies for costumes. We’re also building up our recently announced ZAG Play Toy Division, and continuing to grow our e-commerce department.

I’d sum up 2022 as spot-on, and I’d like two words for 2023: stronger together.”

Italy: Maurizio Distefano, president, Maurizio Distefano Licensing

“2022 was good – very good, in fact. We enjoyed strong growth compared to 2021

Consumers are still eager to see new products and properties and we have been able to meet this demand thanks to the addition of a number of new IP representations, including Corto Maltese – the star of an Italian graphic novel about a seafaring adventurer – Albert Einstein, Charlie Chaplin, and content creator Charlotte M.

In 2023 the focus will be on new launches, including Guess for Corto Maltese. There will also be a licensing project alongside a very famous yacht company

Social media is an endless source of new content – the future is digital. We are focusing also on NFTs and potential opportunities in the metaverse.

Retailers in Italy are becoming even warier about possible risks in the market. Companies are having a hard time with sourcing of products, limited manpower, increasing costs and more competition. The only way to mitigate it is to continue innovating.

2022: The word is growth. 2023: Growth!”

Below: Ciarán says LMCA is “laser focused” on servicing its global corporate clients in 2023.

Above: It’s set to be another busy year across a number of properties, categories and territories for ZAG, says Jeremy.

Right: Maurizio Distefano..

Join the brand

Clean Kitchen Club eyes licensing

Fast growing and disruptive plant-based food brand, Clean Kitchen Club is looking to explore licensed consumer products - appointing The Point.1888 as its new agent.

Co-founded by Verity Bowditch and Mikey Pearce in 2020, the brand is on a mission to transform the plantbased industry as we know it, taking fully sustainable plant-based food and carbon-neutral packaging to a mainstream audience.

The ever-expanding menu contains a range of burgers, bowls, salads, wraps and desserts. It has enjoyed strong success over the last two years, with over five sites already open and plans for more in 2023. Verity and Mikey also completed a funding round last year with the monies raised being used to fund other brand development plans.

The move into product meanwhile opens up the possibility of snacking, ready meals, grab & go items in supermarkets, as well as opportunities to explore other FMCG products, clothing, publishing, events and more.

Verity Bowditch, co-founder of Clean Kitchen Club, said: “To be able to nail going into other sectors we needed experts in their field alongside us. The Point.1888 is our chosen partner to take the retail world by storm.”

Sweet deals for Fruit-tella

Haribo and Falke team on sustainable sock range

Falke has collaborated with confectionery brand Haribo to launch a sustainable sock collection. The deal was brokered by IMG, Haribo’s global licensing partner.

The joint collection features the sustainable Falke Family socks in five different colourways with cheerful Haribo embroidery motifs. The range includes black and white socks for men and women, as well as white and dark blue socks for children, which feature the original Haribo Goldbear wearing the red bow.

The embroidery design and the three additional colours are adapted to the look of the eyecatching Goldbears. In addition to the embroidered socks, a ‘Design Your Own’ white pair of socks is also available with Goldbear’s print and textile pens for children to unleash their creativity.

Licensing Matters Global has secured a number of new deals for Perfetti

Van Melle’s Fruit-tella brand, with a focus on the UK and Benelux markets. Amber House has developed a range of fruity lip balms – available in Primark and marketed to consumers as the ‘Read My Lips’ range, it has already sold over 300,000 units.

Meanwhile, Imagine8 delivered a range exclusively for Claire’s Accessories, which was available in its 500+ UK stores from Q3 2022. The collection will be further expanded with scented plush toys in Q2 2023. Finally, health and beauty specialist Crackerjack (UK) is developing an assortment of bath fizzers and sponge gift sets for Q4 2023. The products will be reminiscent of the Fruit-tella signature fragrances.

product opens up a wide range of categories for Clean Kitchen Club.

Below: The Falke x Haribo collection includes five designs.

As 2023 begins, the brand and lifestyle sector is looking to further build its market share in the overall licensing business – and there is a host of activity to look forward to. From new entrants to the space, through to major milestone anniversaries, high profile exhibitions and international success, LSB rounds up some recent highlights.

Above: LMG has expanded Fruit-tella into a range of CP categories.

Laura Ashley brand ready to mark 70 years

Home and lifestyle brand, Laura Ashley is celebrating its platinum anniversary, following a bumper year that saw its UK retail value increase by 27%

The rise is down to continued expansion into new retail outlets such as John Lewis, Marks & Spencer and with upholstery now available at DFS.

The brand has also expanded into new product categories including electronics, as well as extended distribution with 600 UK retailers stocking Laura Ashley products, while continuing its long-standing relationship with Next

The brand now has multiple dedicated UK licensees and a product portfolio close to 3,000 skus. As it celebrates seven decades, its collection is set to grow as it enters new product categories, from craft to pet accessories. It is also bolstering its presence in the lifestyle category with new season product ranges in development, including new fitted kitchen ranges and new gardening ranges launching in spring.

The anniversary year will also see the brand unveil an exclusive collection with Mamas and Papas been developed for the anniversary.

It will also extend its retail footprint worldwide, entering new markets including Australia with home textiles, childrenswear and a womenswear collaboration.

The anniversary product collection and exclusive collaborations will carry the brand’s anniversary stamp.

Beanstalk extends with Cath Kidston in the US

Building on its initial partnership in Europe, Beanstalk has expanded its exclusive licensing representation agreement with Cath Kidston into the US market.

The British lifestyle brand has been enjoying strong demand in the US. Recent collaborations and limited edition ranges, such as the Jubilee range launched to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, Cath Kidston x Great British Bake Off, and last season’s Christmas range have all achieved record demand with American customers.

Inset: Cath Kidston’s Jubilee range was a hit with US consumers last year.

Since first partnering with Cath Kidston in January of 2022, Beanstalk has already brokered a number of licensing agreements for the European market in categories including home, fashion, accessories and gifting.

The growing number of licensees includes Moonpig, with an assortment of flower bouquets inspired by Cath Kidston prints, and Gola, which recently partnered with the brand to bring its hand-painted prints to footwear.

Beanstalk will look to expand Cath Kidston’s consumer product offering in these categories and more with new partnerships in the US.

V&A continues its strong growth in China

V&A continued to experience strong growth in China throughout 2022, with the launch of nine new collaborations in fashion, childrenswear and home goods.

The V&A’s Tmall flagship store also now features over 200 new and unique products.

Licensees have access to rich content from the archive including work by Art Nouveau illustrator Alphonse Mucha and the sketches by Victorian artist, Sir John Tenniel. The latter’s illustrations for Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll have proven popular as the V&A’s exhibition Alice: Curiouser and Curiouser tours East Asia.

Alice’s creative curiosity is reflected in the V&A’s collaboration with Mido House. Presented in detailed embroidery on high-count cotton fabric are Alice, as well as the Cheshire Cat, the Mad Hatter, playing cards, teacups and other elements she meets along her adventures.

AMIRO and the V&A joined forces to create a fusion of art and technology with the Alice in Wonderland themed ‘Find the Light’ gift box. The first range sold out, with a second to follow.

Inspired by a selection of Art Nouveau work from the V&A’s collection, statement pieces from Hopeshow focus on decoration from the 1897 portfolio ‘L’Animal dans la Décoration’ by the French artists Maurice Pillard Verneuil and Eugène Samuel Grasset. The range was sold online, in stores and promoted through a dedicated V&A pop-up store in Beijing.

Finally, the Mucha series of fashion jewellery is inspired by details of the intricate headdress adorning a woman’s hair in a poster by Alphonse Mucha.

Above: Laura Ashley is celebrating seven decades in 2023.

Above: Mido House took inspiration from Alice in Wonderland.

Full bloom for Natural History Museum

The Natural History Museum has joined forces with sustainable flower delivery company Arena Flowers to develop a unique floral bouquet that has been inspired by the Museum’s mineral collection.

The bouquet – named ‘Gemmae’ – was inspired by a selection of the 5,000 gemstones that form part of the Museum’s comprehensive mineral collection, which also includes meteorites, rocks and ores.

Historical artworks from the Museum’s archives also influenced the new bouquet, which features seven blooms representing seven unique gemstones

From the vibrant pinks of tourmaline, represented by the ‘Country Blues’ rose, to the watery blue/greens of Aquamarine, mirrored by the pale blue delphiniums, the Gemmae bouquet features unique stems, each resembling a mineral.

“We are delighted to be working with the team at Arena Flowers, who ensure that sustainability is at the heart of everything they do,” commented Maxine Lister, head of licensing at Natural History Museum

“It has been a real pleasure exploring the Museum’s stunning mineral collection to bring this idea to life.”

TfL scores with Arsenal

Arsenal Football Club has teamed up once again with Transport for London on a collection of apparel and accessories celebrating 90 years together on the London Underground.

The deal was brokered by TSBA Group. The range celebrates and is inspired by Arsenal station following its name change from Gillespie Road on 31 October 1932. It includes loungewear, nightwear and babywear along with accessories such as a blanket, scarf, wallet and water bottle. It features the iconic roundel and the emblematic Barman moquette seat pattern which appears on Piccadilly line trains that serve Arsenal station.

The pattern also featured on the adidas x Arsenal x TfL pre-match range that the Arsenal team wore last season.

“It is wonderful to be continuing the collaboration with Arsenal with this new collection,” commented Ellen Sankey, brand licensing manager at TfL

Above: The new range is inspired by Arsenal tube station.

Dr. Martens teams with The Met

Dr. Martens has joined forces with The Met on a new creative collaboration inspired by Katsushika Hokusai’s ’36 Views of Mount Fuji’ series

The deal was brokered by Beanstalk and celebrates a fresh take on the Japanese artist through footwear.

The collection consists of three pieces – The Met 1460 boot, 1461 shoe and The Met backpack.

Created in the 1830s, Katsushika Hokusai defied geographical borders and boundaries as his artistry allowed others to be able to view the wonders of the world they could not otherwise.

The Met 1460 Boot bears an illustration of The Great Wave, honouring one of the most recognisable pieces of Japanese art; the 1461 shoe features the Fuji from Gotenyama at Shinagawa on the Tokaido, depicting a picnic gathering underneath a bountiful cherry blossom at Gotenyama; while The Met backpack also features The Great Wave print.

Crown to Couture set to shine

The glittering world of the Georgian court will come head-to-head with the high glamour of the modern-day red carpet in a new exhibition at Kensington Palace Crown to Couture will see contemporary couture worn by celebrities including Lizzo and Lady Gaga, displayed alongside historic costume –drawing parallels between the world of the red carpet and the world of the Royal Court in the 18th century.

Set to be the largest exhibition ever staged at the palace, over 200 objects across the glittering State Apartments and intimate rooms. Among the objects will be examples of some of Historic Royal Palace’s own collection – the Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection. Highlights will include the Rockingham Mantua, brocaded in silver thread and silver lace trim and believed to have been worn by the wife of British Prime Minister, the 2nd Marquess of Rockingham, in the 1760s.

“To showcase these beautiful garments in such a lavish setting provides an excellent opportunity for licensees across multiple categories including fashion, homewares, stationery and tabletop, to see and be inspired by the exquisite 18th century dress on display,” commented Alareen Farrell, head of buying, merchandising, licensing and publishing at Historic Royal Palaces Crown to Couture will open on 5 April and will run until 29 October 2023.

Above: The Rockingham Mantua will be among the highlights.

Above: The new collection consists of three pieces.

Above: The bouquet features seven blooms representing seven unique gemstones.

Brand Licensing at The National Gallery, London

The National Gallery in London, is one of the greatest art galleries in the world, housing the nation’s collection of paintings in the Western European tradition. The collection includes works by Artemisia Gentileschi, Bellini, Cézanne, Degas, Leonardo, Monet, Raphael, Rembrandt, Renoir, Rubens, Titian, Turner, Van Dyck, Van Gogh and Velázquez.

Founded in 1824, we are looking forward to our Bicentenary celebrations, marking 200 years of bringing people and paintings together.

Join our global licensing programme at this exciting time and be part of a wide range of categories from apparel and accessories to homeware, food and drink, stationery, accessories, and gifts.

Highlights of our most recent collaborations include the leading outerwear brand, London Fog, with trench, duffer, and long coats for men, women, and children.

The Canned Wine Co, with limited edition vintage Grenache Rosé, Grüner and Old Vine Garnacha wines, all featuring images of our paintings on the labels.

Our reach continues to strengthen worldwide with a new Brazilian brand addition, Dani Fernandez, with luxury aroma diffusers, home essences and soaps.

Contact us to learn about how you can get involved in our global licensing programme and our Bicentenary opportunities at the National Gallery.

Awards season

Entries for the Brand & Lifestyle Licensing Awards 2023 are officially open – with this year seeing the event moving to a new venue, as well as introducing a new category. The event – now in its eighth year – will take place on Thursday 27 April 2023, at a lavish afternoon event at The Royal Lancaster Hotel, Lancaster Terrace, London that will be attended by over 500 retailers, licensees, brand owners and representatives. The deadline for nominations and entries across all categories is Wednesday 8 March, 2023

The entry and nomination process for all categories is free and via online submission –all the forms can be accessed from the dedicated B&LLAs website which can be found at www.brandlicensingawards.com.

The B&LLAs 2023 will look to reward brand and lifestyle licensing activity which has taken place in the UK between 1 January 2022 to 31 December 2022, across Product, Retail and Property categories. In addition,

presented to a special individual (brand owner, licensor, retailer, licensee or supplier), acknowledging their contribution to the brand licensing sector.

Brand Licensing Europe returns as the headline sponsor of the Brand & Lifestyle Licensing Awards, while trade body Licensing International will once again be lending its support.

“Brand and lifestyle licensing is among the most innovative, creative and fastest growing in our industry, rising in value by 27.8% (2022 Global Licensing Industry Study) between 2019 and 2021; its most impressive performance in six years of Licensing International reporting,” said Anna Knight, vp licensing at Informa Markets. “The B&LLAs does a wonderful job of celebrating and rewarding excellence in product innovation in this sector – it’s also an excellent afternoon out

Now in its eighth year, the Brand & Lifestyle Licensing Awards is open for entries for 2023, as it looks to continue its recognition of this ever expanding and important sector of the licensing business. Here’s what you need to know.

Below: Stand up comedian and presenter Ed Gamble hosted last year’s B&LLAs.

– so of course Brand Licensing Europe is delighted to return as headline sponsor.”

Steve Manners, head of global marketing and UK md at Licensing International, continued: “Licensing International are delighted to once again support the Brand & Lifestyle Licensing Awards. The on-going recognition of this evergrowing sector of the licensing industry is incredibly important as corporate and lifestyle brands continue to realise the potential of licensing to expand their business and consumer engagement. We know that once again we will be seeing some outstanding nominees full of creativity and innovation.”

New for 2023: The B&LLAs Rising Star Award

This year will welcome a new accolade: The B&LLAs Rising Star Award – sponsored by Brand Licensing Europe’s Retail Mentoring Programme. The new award recognises and rewards excellence among ‘new to the brand licensing sector’ in the UK who have shown real potential in the continued evolution of the sector.

It is open to all young professionals aged 35 or under (on 27 April 2023) with up to five years working in the brand and lifestyle licensing sector

“We’re delighted to sponsor this new category at the B&LLAs. BLE’s Retail Mentoring Programme is all about showcasing the best of brand licensing to retailers who are either new to their role or new to licensing,” commented Laura Freedman-Dagg, head of retail, Brand Licensing Europe. “Over the years we’ve seen some exceptional people come through the programme, many of whom have gone on to brilliant roles in all areas of licensing. It’s a real honour to bring fresh talent into the industry and a rising star category couldn’t be better aligned with the Retail Mentoring Programme. This year we’re excited to bring a group of retail mentees to the awards to take part in a celebration of best in class brand licensing.”

How to enter

The B&LLAs are FREE TO ENTER and the entry procedure is entirely online.

Full details of entering can be accessed from www.brandlicensingawards.com by clicking on the Product, Retailer, Property and Other Awards category boxes. All the criteria and categories you can enter are then explained and you will have the opportunity to upload imagery to support your entry.

For most of the categories you will be asked to register and create a password. Once you have done this it will mean that you will be able to save your submission and edit an entry right up to the deadline. If you haven’t registered with a password it will ask you to do this.

The closing date for entry submission is Wednesday 8 March 2023

Please note, only licences and licensed products featuring brands hailing from the museum & heritage, food & beverage, FMCG non-food, automotive, media, design-led IP and fashion genres are applicable. All entertainment brands including TV, film, celebrity as well as gaming, music and sports are covered by The Licensing Awards (which will take place on Tuesday 12 September 2023).

A number of stellar names have also pledged their support as sponsors including ASPIRE by WildBrain CPLG, Beanstalk, Brandcomply.com, Brandgenuity, CAA Brand Management, Dependable Solutions, Golden Goose, H&A, Hearst, Lisle Licensing, MDR Brand Management, Metrostar, Natural History Museum, Pink Key Licensing, Poetic Brands, Products of Change, Start Licensing and TSBA Group.

For ticket and table information for The B&LLAs awards event, head to www.brandlicensingawards.com/tickets/. For sponsorship, entry questions or general enquiries regarding the B&LLAs 2023, please contact Ian Hyder (ianh@max-publishing.co.uk), Jakki Brown (jakkib@max-publishing.co.uk) or Rob Willis (robw@max-publishing.co.uk).

Inset: To be in with a chance of appearing on stage make sure you enter by Wednesday 8 March.

BOOKING FORM

The Brand & Lifestyle Licensing Awards reward excellence in product innovation, brand licensing management as well as retail execution within the ever-evolving brand and lifestyle licensing arena.

The 2023 awards will take place during a lunch time ceremony at the fabulous Royal Lancaster Hotel, London. The awards afternoon takes place on Thursday 27th April 2023 where the winners will be announced at a spectacular lunch that includes a cocktail reception, lunch, the awards ceremony and entertainment.

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The 2023 winners of the awards will be revealed at a lavish afternoon event held at The Royal Lancaster Hotel, Lancaster Terrace, London on Thursday 27 April 2023

The B&LLAs bring together retailers, licensees, brand owners and representatives to celebrate excellence in brand and lifestyle licensing.

For information on reserving tickets or tables to the event, please contact: Clare Hollick at Createvents Ltd using clare@createvents.co.uk or calling +44(0)1183 340085

For information on sponsorship or any other enquiries please contact: Ian Hyder, Joint MD of Max Publishing on +44 (0)7525 634306 ianh@max-publishing.co.uk www.brandlicensingawards.co.uk

Cute, cuddly and instantly recognisable – and with a devoted fanbase of 18 to 35 year olds –Pusheen is a global social media sensation. Andrew Lane, founder of Fluid World, sits down with LSB to talk about the cartoon cat’s latest adventures in licensing, and why gaming and snacks are the purrfect areas for growth.

Feline fine

To most people in the licensing industry, Fluid World’s Andrew Lane needs little introduction. Over the course of his varied career –which has included stints in the Israeli army and as Emerson, Lake & Palmer’s tour manger – he has achieved a number of licensing ‘firsts’. He helped Arsenal FC set up its licensing department, launched Hello Kitty in Europe (outstripping Red Bull at retail within two years), and introduced licensed schoolwear to the UK, achievements for which he received an Honorary Achievement Award at the 2010 Licensing Awards. Such an accolade usually comes at the end of someone’s career, but Andrew’s biggest successes are possibly still to come.

Today the star of his portfolio is undoubtedly Pusheen, the cute cartoon cat beloved of Gen Z that is ubiquitous on social media. Created in 2010 by Claire Belton and Andrew Duff for a comic strip on their website, Everyday Cute, the brand has recently hit a staggering 30 billion Giphy shares.

Andrew came across the brand in 2016, after Sanrio had taken Hello Kitty European licensing back in-house, and he was thinking about retiring

(“for about the third time”). He recalls: “My wife, Angela, said to me, ‘Have you seen this Pusheen? It’s an emoji on Facebook.’ She and my daughter Alice and son Freddie loved it, because we’re a cat family, and because it’s all about emotions and can be used to express what’s going on. I looked at it and thought, this is really cute!”

Andrew jumped on a plane to see Claire in Chicago. “She was selling a few bits and pieces, nothing much. There was no licensing programme in place. I told her, I think you’ve got something really special here, and I offered her a deal.

“In the first year, we did a massive launch at Primark, and I organised an in-store competition. At 7am we had hundreds of people queuing down Oxford Street.”

Pusheen’s massive fan base had turned out in force. “So many licences today are aimed at 6-, 7-, 8 year olds, and it's all pester power,” says Andrew. “They don’t have their own money. And these days, their parents haven’t necessarily got the money either. Pusheen fans are aged 18 to 35, they've got lots of money, they're living at home. And they're on social media. They’re the perfect fans.”

In 2017, just a year after launch, Pusheen was awarded the Best Teen or Adult Licensed Property at The Licensing Awards. Fluid set about growing the brand globally, and Pusheen is now in 60 countries worldwide. Growth is steady in Western Europe and has exploded in Central and

Above right: Andrew Lane (centre) picks up his Honorary Achievement Award at The Licensing Awards 2010. Inset: A cosy ‘VUddie’ by Vanilla Underground, one of Pusheen’s DTR partners.

Inset: New to the market, this Pusheen night light is by Spanish licensee Grupo Erik.

Eastern Europe, following a “huge” DTR deal secured with LPP, the group that owns Reserved, Cropp, House, Mohito and Sinsay, and has over 1,700 stores; LPP makes 60-70 new Pusheen products every few months. Aleksandra Kacprowicz, the former LPP employee who initiated the deal, has since come on board with Fluid and now runs its Eastern European operations. While online sales for Pusheen rocketed during lockdown, the brand also has a strong presence in adult bricks and mortar retailers. “We’re not in toy shops,” Andrew explains. “In the States, we’re in Hot Topic, Urban Outfitters, Barnes & Noble, BoxLunch. In Europe, we’re in HMV, John Lewis, Carrefour, Claire’s Accessories… We are Claire’s biggest licensed brand and have been for some years.”

Retail, Andrew strongly believes, needs theatre. “People aren’t going to just walk into your shop –they have to have a reason. Which is why we do a lot of the things that we do, such as in-store character visits.” But whatever the mode of selling, the philosophy should be the same. “If someone’s walking down an aisle or opening a page on a website, a beautiful product has to jump out and grab their attention. It’s as simple as that. My goal is to continue to make beautiful products that appeal to people’s emotions and carry a message.”

Andrew and the Fluid team keep abreast of consumer trends in various ways. It helps that they all love to hit the shops. “I talk to retailers and ask, what’s working? Crafting is big right now, and Pusheen fans love making things, and baking things. So that’s something we’re looking into.”

Another sector ripe for growth is gaming. “Pusheen fans are around 70% female and 30%

Epic Games

contacted us, saying they wanted to attract more female gamers by putting Pusheen into the game Fall Guys. They launched two Pusheen skins in July last year and two in October.”

Andrew has plans for a branded Pusheen computer game, but while his ideas take shape, he is looking into foodstuffs aimed at gamers “because they sit there eating and drinking while playing. Pusheen snacks would be big.”

Fluid’s in-house creative team gives the company an edge when it comes to securing partnerships, by producing helpful style guides and mock-ups. Just as often, the designers at licensee companies are huge Pusheen fans, and approach Fluid with their own ideas. Upcoming collaborations for 2023 include a partnership with fashion brand Koi Footwear for “funky shoes”. While entertainment brands are reliant on film and TV releases, Pusheen, as a social media phenomenon, is a genuine 365 brand – and the future looks bright.

“We’ve got a global brand that’s growing and growing,” Andrew concludes. “Our doors are open. Come and see us!”

Inset: The brand has recently hit a staggering 30 billion Giphy shares. Below: Epic Games launched Pusheen skins in July and October this year, enabling players of Fall Guys to appear as their favourite feline.

Inset: Pusheen fans queue down Oxford Street for the brand’s Primark launch in 2016.

From PR to logistics, design to software, services and suppliers are vital cogs in the industry machine, helping to smooth the way to successful licensing campaigns, products and retail executions. LSB rounds up some

At your service

of partners

2022 was a year of big wins for global technology and data service provider Fabacus. New partnerships include world-leading entertainment, sport and brand licensing agency WildBrain CPLG, global digital sports platform and leader in licensed sports merchandise Fanatics, and Activision, for an exclusive campaign in conjunction with the hotly anticipated release of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II. The company has also extended its existing partnerships with Ubisoft, UFC, Rovio, Epic Games and IMG.

Fabacus’ Xelacore platform enables brands to develop a digital product catalogue of their licensing portfolio, providing key data and actionable insights, additionally offering a digitalised, interactive experience to consumers of licensed products.

Founder and ceo Andrew Xeni said: “We have always known how powerful this technology can be for brand owners and their licensee partners alike, to maximise the value of a brand. It is brilliant to be working with such forward-thinking partners.”

New horizons for Grapevine PR

New clients for Kilogrammedia

Kilogrammedia, the licensing specialist PR and marketing agency, continues to work across a number of territories both in Europe and further afield in Asia.

The agency has recently expanded with the addition of writer Fran Bromage, while new partnerships include children’s animation company Toon2Tango, costume character company Rainbow Productions, and art agencies

Snowtap and The London Studio. These companies join a roster of loyal clients that includes Bulldog Licensing and Rocket Licensing, which have been with Kilogrammedia since its inception, and the RHS, Mondo TV and Italian agency MDL, which have worked with the agency for many years.

Kilogrammedia was delighted to provide (free of charge) PR services for The Light Fund’s epic Channel Swim last summer, which raised an amazing amount of money for the Fund’s charity beneficiaries and the RNLI.

“Our goal for 2023 is to continue to do our best to help existing clients build their businesses, while bringing on new ones,” says the agency’s Jane Garner.

“2022 was a great year for us,” said Grapevine PR owner Kirsty Barr (below right). “Our big client wins included Maxx Group and working across all their B2B communications for Toys and Licensing Matters Global. We were thrilled to start work with Immersive Everywhere, and seeing them win Best Licensed Live Event at September’s Licensing Awards for Doctor Who: Time Fracture was fantastic. We also welcomed a new account executive, Andi Bowler.

“While we’d be right to be cautious as we head into 2023, there’s much to look forward to. A new Grapevine PR website will go live in early spring, followed by our first apprenticeship placement in July. Client launches for Disney100 include Ravensburger and YuMe Toys, while Tetris is kicking off a year-long 40th anniversary in summer.”

Inset: Art agency Snowtap was one of the new signings for Kilogrammedia last year.

Dependable Solutions invests in client services

Dependable Solutions’ software supports licensing professionals in the management of approvals, royalty reporting and asset sharing, and the team pride themselves on delivering expert-led training and support to accompany these vital operational tools.

The company has added two experienced client services account managers to its growing team. Brian Kasman joins from licensing agency Jewel Branding & Licensing. Brian’s licensing industry knowledge is further supported through experience gained at Earthbound and Major League Soccer. An expert in statistics, he is looking forward to helping clients utilise their licensing data and turn it into meaningful insights to help them achieve their goals.

Steven Dreszer, a bilingual operations expert who spent five years working with Genius Brands on their licensing programme, will support Dependable Solutions’ global roster of clients from the East Coast of the US. Steven will support a broad range of clients from different industries and is excited to help them work faster and wiser.

Asgard Media reps Northern Monk

Asgard Media has been busy building its position as an introductory licensing consultant, helping connect manufacturers to the world’s biggest brands.

“We know that 2023 will be a great year for manufacturers to prove their resilience and agility, and by partnering with leading brands to build their profile, elevate their market position and improve sales,” said Robyn Cowling, head of strategic partnerships at Asgard Media

The company is now representing multi-awardwinning independent craft brewery Northern Monk.

Staffed by a passionate and ambitious team, Northern Monk has grown in scale and stature in recent years, despite the challenging landscape, and is looking to connect with a brand new audience through licensing.

“We are delighted to reveal our new partnership with Northern Monk,” added Robyn.

“The brewery’s bold style and collaborative nature presents a fantastic opportunity to bring cool, flavourful licensed beer to consumers and spread the Northern Monk brand further afield.”

Rainbow Productions shakes up production processes

Rainbow Productions enjoyed several high profile commissions in 2022. These included the manufacture of the LEGO costume characters for LEGOLAND Resorts worldwide, Haven’s redesigned Seaside Squad and the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 mascots – Ashley, Kai and Robyn – who cheered the Lionesses on to win the tournament. Rainbow now owns numerous PLA and resin 3D printers. The adoption of these new technologies allows for high-speed prototyping, increased durability of printed parts and the printing of solid components such as buttons, eyes, teeth and tusks.

The firm has also invested in the infrastructure of its South London premises to increase production capacity and in turn decrease production lead times.

Further developments at Rainbow Productions include a trio of new appointments: Magdalena Foulkes as licensing director, James Barlow as sales and marketing director and Laura Shellum as production manager, heads and props.

Left: Robyn Cowling.

Inset: Magdalena Foulkes and James Barlow from Rainbow Productions.

While there is no denying that Argentina and France staged one of the most exhilarating World Cup Finals in living memory, things could have been very different. Simon Gresswell, md at SGLP, offers some inspiration for what could have happened if England had lifted the trophy in Qatar.

World Cup? What if England had won the

Tquarter final against France, I tried gazing into my crystal ball to predict the unpredictable. Not only could I not see Harry Kane missing a penalty, or Kyle Walker more or less nullifying the threat of Kylian Mbappe, but I found myself just too superstitious to even consider ‘what if?’

Now the pressure’s off, let’s dream of what might have happened if England had actually won the World Cup… Well, firstly, endless choruses of Sweet Caroline and Football’s Coming Home would ring out for days. Most likely Knighthoods and OBEs all round for the squad, a big old group statue at Wembley and Sir Gareth the Gallant and Citizen King Kane taking their turn on the fourth plinth in Trafalgar Square. Mini-roundabout paint jobs refreshed from the last two summers and post boxes painted with the cross of St George in each player’s hometown, projections of Southgate’s Superstars on The Houses of Parliament and a quickfire packaging change for the obligatory commemorative HP Brown Sauce. But slightly more seriously, what might we see from the tournament’s ‘winners’… FIFA, local licensees, The FA, the England manager, captain and squad and their commercial partners? Let’s do some (England shirt shoulder yoke graduated) blue sky thinking about the headlines and stories behind them… so here goes…

‘FIFA STORE CRASHES’

Replica, miniature and key ring versions of the World Cup trophy are ordered in unprecedented quantities and remain on advance order for the next four years straight, making this the most successful merchandise programme in World Cup history.

‘DATES WITH DESTINY’

Official national licensee, Qinwan

Premium Dates, celebrates England’s triumph with the release of what becomes an unlimited edition of white chocolate-covered dates with mini England flags on and a beaming squad pic on the front of the box. Via slick social media, the company generates incredible demand and the item becomes the overnight, must-have stocking filler for every household in England and ex-pats across the globe.

Above: A quickfire packaging change for HP Brown Sauce could have been on the cards.

Top: What might have happened if England had succeeded in lifting the World Cup trophy?

Right: Qinwan Premium Dates would celebrate England’s triumph with a special personalised selection.

‘FA LAUNCHES HISTORIC CLICK & COLLECT’

The FA’s regret at not having signed an Official Supermarket as a commercial partner in the last few years turns to jingoistic joy, as fans see the reincarnation of the timeless collectable, in physical and digital form. The Official FA England Team World Cup Winners Medal Collection is made available via a whole raft of supermarkets and other retailers, simultaneously - the royalties are stratospheric!

‘WORLD CUP WINNERS’

FA commercial partner, Walkers, doesn’t disappoint or surprise with the launch of a range of new flavoursFish n Chips, Pork Pie & Pickle, Stilton & Port, Sunday Roast and of course, the number one seller, The Full Monty… all advertised by Gary Lineker dressed as The Grinch.

Inset: New crisp flavours in celebration? Absolutely.

‘RAINBOW NATION’

England winning skipper, Harry Kane, secretly seduced before the tournament by Primark, helps develop and promote a limited edition, pure white capsule range of reversible arm bands, head bands, scrunchies, scarves, gloves, socks, buckets, beanies, tees and hoodies, with a Three Lions Winners shield on one side and a Rainbow heart with the words ‘1-0 for EDI’ underneath, on the other. It sells out by 1 January 2023.

‘FREE COACHING FROM THE FA’

‘YOU WANNA PIZZA ME?’

Clips of Sir Gareth the Gallant and the entire squad, highlighting their passion and emotions during their 1-0 Final win over Argentina, appear in a re-worked commercial that harps back to a certain pizza restaurant ad after Euro 96.

Inset: The infamous pizza restaurant ad following Euro 96 could be re-worked.

‘SANTA’S SAKA SOCKS’

Following the stir caused by Bukayo Saka’s torn socks (and his hat-trick against France), a giant holey sock doubling as a Christmas stocking, hits number one in the tabloid gifting charts, with preorders placed by millions of fans even ahead of England’s 1-0 semi-final win over a dogged and durable Morocco side.

‘AND AWAY’

Using a hastily shot TV ad featuring Bob Mortimer and Paul Whitehouse, stars of hit show Gone Fishing, The FA offers all fans the chance to return any Official England merch, to be pulped and remade into a specially-licensed England World Cup Winners range… and so kickstarts the first fully circular merch programme of any major sports federation worldwide.

FA commercial partner, National Express, announces free travel for all passengers wearing any England merch, between 6am on 19 December 2022 and midnight on 3 January 2023.

‘NO INTEREST, EVER’

FA commercial partner, Nationwide Building Society, reveals a secret clause in its contract, giving 1,000 new customers of its ‘Engerland Mortgage’ product during the World Cup, a pass for life on their mortgage payments.

‘BACK OF THE NETFLIX’

With a film crew embedded since England’s semifinal exit in 2018, Netflix promotes its upcoming release ‘Come on England’, culminating in the win over Argentina in Qatar and also teases its future sports series, ‘Dads & Lads Army’, charting the England Rugby team’s journey to Rugby World Cup 2023, since its loss to South Africa in Tokyo in 2019. New England Rugby co-coach, Gareth Southgate, promises to beat both Argentina and our nearest neighbours again, in October and November, with a different-shaped ball.

LicensingSource.net is the go-to resource for finding out what’s happening in the global licensing industry.

Including news, interviews and analysis, as well as an event diary, a hugely successful jobs board and more, The Source is the central hub of information for the worldwide licensing community.

The team behind LicensingSource.net has over fifty years experience in the licensing industry, and also own and organise The Licensing Awards, publish The Licensing Source Book Europe and an array of other market leading trade titles.

With an e-subscriber database of over 9,500 key contacts, advertisers can expect to receive high visibility, not only on the website, but also on the trusted daily news flashes and social media boasting a strong following.

For the very best information...

Sports day

Panini kicks off for 2023

Panini’s Premier League Sticker Collection is back for 2023 – with the company promising that it is ‘bigger, better and more exciting’ than ever.

The collection – which includes all 20 teams and a total of 636 stickers to collect including shinies and parallel stickers – is being backed with a major multi-faceted marketing campaign, fronted by West Ham and England star, Declan Rice. This includes a heavyweight TV and digital campaign, press and sampling activity, national newspaper campaigns and investment at retail across all listings.

“Panini is delighted to be launching the brand new official sticker collection for what is shaping up to be an incredible finish to this season,” said Chris Clover, md at Panini UK. “Premier League fans of all ages are going to love the new designs and innovation that we have packed into the collection this year.”

From Premier League sticker collections through to the biggest cycling event in history, LSB rounds up some of the latest activity in the sporting arena.

promotion company Cube Partnerships as the master licensee of the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships in Glasgow and across Scotland. The annual world championships for bicycle road racing will be held between 3-13 August 2023 and will be the biggest cycling event in history, with 13 UCI World Championships taking place across seven disciplines in Glasgow and across Scotland. Cube Partnership’s remit will include designing, sourcing, delivering and retailing licensed products at the Championships’ official venue shops, other local and national retail outlets, plus via a dedicated online store. The merchandise will have a strong commitment to sustainability, according to the UCI, with a focus on limiting single use plastics, responsibly managing waste materials and reducing carbon emissions.

Tottenham Hotspur scores with YETI deal

Tottenham Hotspur has secured a three-year deal with outdoor product specialist YETI for a range of insulated drinkware and accessories. The products will be available via the club’s retail outlets and through eu.yeti.com. YETI will also supply drinkware, coolers and accessories to the club’s training centre including men’s and women’s first teams and the academy. As a founding member of Products of Change, Tottenham Hotspur is continually striving to source sustainable products and eliminate single-use plastic across its retail range and wider operations.

“We are delighted to be working with YETI on bringing its fantastic range of products to both our fans and players,” commented Gary Jacobson, brand licensing manager at Tottenham Hotspur. “YETI has built a strong reputation and become a leader in the field of sustainable and durable outdoor products.”

Inset: Spurs’ three-year YETI deal covers insulated drinkware and accessories.

Inset: The collection includes all 20 Premier League teams and a total of 636 stickers.

Merchantwise gets on board with AOC

Merchantwise has been selected by the Australian Olympic Committee as master licensee to drive its licensing and merchandising programme in the lead-up to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, followed by the 2026 Olympic Winter Games in Milan Cortina.

With a mission to cement the Australian Olympic Team as a year-round sports brand which champions the spirit of Australian sport, the licensing programme will aim to attract broad appeal for children and adults across all tiers of retail.

The Australian Olympic Committee licensing programme will see a wide-ranging and recognisable asset base become available for partners. This will include the official Olympic logos, as well as the team mascot, the Boxing Kangaroo

The programme will also incorporate specially created assets of Indigenous art commissioned for the Australian Olympic Team.

Merchantwise will also work with the Australian Olympic Committee to develop and enhance the merchandise programme for its annual Have a Go campaign, a national grass roots programme designed to inspire Australians of all ages to participate in Olympic sports.

MDR grows FIFA brand

MDR Brand Management – FIFA’s appointed licensing agency across Asia – has been busy launching official licensed FIFA-branded clothing in South Korea, working with Korean fashion company, Cowell Fashion.

The first drop of FIFA-branded casual wear, athleisure, footwear and accessories is being sold across shop-in-shops in leading Korean department stores, including Shinsegae and Lotte, and their respective online platforms. The collection also has presence in the duty-free section of Seoul’s primary airport, Incheon.

Cowell Fashion also launched an everyday-wear licensed capsule collection to celebrate the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar. It is investing heavily in marketing and social media through high-profile seasonal campaigns featuring three K-Pop artists, Soyeon Jeon, Code Kunst and Won-Jae Woo, depicting the new look for FIFA.

MDR Brand Management was appointed by FIFA, the international governing body of association football, in 2021 to strategically build a long-term licensing programme in Asia and lead on a vision to establish FIFA as a year-round top tier lifestyle brand, with a nod to its sporting heritage.

Sauber Motorsports accelerates into e-mobility

ASPIRE has secured a deal with Asia Kingston for a range of e-mobility products for the Swiss motorsport brand, Sauber Motorsport

Under the partnership, Asia Kingston has developed Alfa Romeo F1 Team ORLEN-branded e-bikes and escooters reflecting Sauber’s commitment to sustainability. They debuted at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas in January before rolling out across Europe at bike and sport retailers, consumer electronic outlets and hypermarkets.

ASPIRE has also secured deals to further extend the consumer products offering for Sauber Motorsport across a range of categories including collectables based on the helmet of F1 driver Zhou Guanyu, with Racing Force International (Bell Helmets); die-cast model cars in various scales, with Sunrich, Minimax, Zmodels and May Cheong; Alfa Romeo F1 Team ORLEN and Sauber Motorsport posters and fine arts, with Automobilist; and construction-brick cars in various scales, with Rastar Group.

Formula 1 Exhibition goes to Madrid

Formula 1 has confirmed that the world’s first official Formula 1 Exhibition will open in Madrid on Friday 24 March 2023.

Hosted at the IFEMA Madrid, the exhibition will run until Sunday 16 July 2023 and will aim to provide a ‘stunning adventure’ through the world of F1.

Officially developed in association with Formula 1 and with support from the motorsport community, the show boasts a wide range of never-before-seen artefacts and contributions from the sport’s most legendary teams, experts and personalities.

Produced in partnership with Round Room Live, the exhibition is delivered across six purpose-built rooms, each specially designed in collaboration with award-winning artists, filmmakers and craftspeople. The 90-minute experience combines spectacular audio-visual design, rare film and imagery, engineering and educational displays, sculptural pieces and iconic Grand Prix cars to deliver an immersive experience.

Above: The e-mobility products debuted during CES earlier in January.

Licensees

Licensees are partners (usually manufacturers or retailers) who obtain a licence from the licensor to make and sell products bearing the licensed character or brand.

The following section is devoted to purveyors of licensed products and those whose products might be suitable for licensing.

If you are a retail buyer reviewing licensed products available or a licensor looking for new products for your licences, read on.

ADULTS : NIGHTWEAR . DAYWEAR . FAM JAMS

Wall Art, Stationery, Drinkware and Gifting

Wall Art, Stationery, Drinkware and Gifting

Bedding

Dress Up

Dress Up/Party

Sustainable Alice Batman & Batgirl The Flash

Elmer Sustainable Goldilocks

Sustainable Police Officer & Firefighter

Matilda

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Sustainable Rosie Riding Hood Superman & Supergirl Bluey

Wizard of Oz

Paddington

Peter Rabbit Pip & Posy Flash

Harry Potter

Elmer

The Cat in the Hat

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Police Firefighter

Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory

The B.F.G

Supergirl

Dress Up

Steamforged Games is led by a love of the craft and a mission to deliver compelling tabletop experiences that capture people’s emotions. From small beginnings in the corner of a hobby gaming store, the team has gone on to create authentic tabletop versions of some of the biggest video games around. And with original

WANT TO GET IN TOUCH WITH STEAMFORGED?

For trade enquiries, reach out to toby@steamforged.com

titles like Epic Encounters, which Forbes called the “Blue Apron [of] Dungeons & Dragons”; the highly-rated skirmish wargame, Godtear; and their star-studded upcoming dungeon explorer, Bardsung, Steamforged is fast building a reputation as a producer of their own excellent IP’s.

For retail enquiries, reach out to jo@steamforged.com

Imagine8 specialise in licensed character merchandise.

Imagine8 specialise in licensed character merchandise.

Imagine8 specialise in licensed character merchandise.

Imagine8 specialise in licensed character merchandise.

Accessory licensee

Accessory licensee

Accessory licensee

Accessory licensee

Cross-category licensee

Cross-category licensee

Cross-category licensee

Cross-category licensee

In house creative

In house creative

In house creative

In house creative

stop shop supply chain

One-stop shop supply chain

One-stop shop supply chain

One-stop shop supply chain

Product integrity

Product integrity

Product integrity

Product integrity

QA/ QC

QA/ QC

QA/ QC

QA/ QC

Logistics

Logistics

Logistics

Logistics

Preferred promotional partner

Preferred promotional partner

Preferred promotional partner

Preferred promotional partner

Over 2,500 promotions

Over 2,500 promotions

Over 2,500 promotions

Over 2,500 promotions

Globally

Globally

Globally

Globally

25 years of experience taking care of our partners.

25 years of experience taking care of our partners.

25 years of experience taking care of our partners.

25 years of experience taking care of our partners.

INTELLIGENT BUYING FOR LICENSED PRODUCTS

FOR BRAND OWNERS

A virtual shop window directly onto retailer buyers desktops

■ View popularity of products via your unique dashboard

■ Aide licensees quest to place products in front of retailers

■ Products displayed in via photos and descriptions controlled by you

FOR RETAILERS

It’s a secret weapon for buying the right product at the right time

■ Browse products by powerful search tools

■ Consider timely buying by our brand populated calendar of events

■ Buy safe in the knowledge that all products are officially licensed

Interested in learning more? Contact us through our website www.thebrandinformer.com

MAX PUBLISHING

The leading specialist publishing house for the licensing and consumer products sectors, offering high-quality, content-rich publications to an unrivalled database of over 100,000 licensors, suppliers, licensees, retailers and everyone inbetween. Our titles cover all core product areas, whilst our contract publishing business has seen specialist publications for companies including Universal Studios, Warner Bros,. Disney, Entertainment One, Hasbro, Sanrio and many more.

MAX MEDIA VENTURES

The digital studio within the Max group owns and operates numerous exciting digital news channels including LicensingSource. net. The studio also offers full-service digital development from websites to apps, social media programs, audio visual creation, company re-branding, 3D modelling, with clients including Licensing International, LDN Fashion and more.

MAX LIVE EVENTS

Not only does our award-winning production company organise the highlycoveted Licensing Awards, Progressive Preschool Awards and all others in the Max group, it also organises events for a myriad of third party clients from small conferencing and licensee days to major live events for names including Toni & Guy, Licensing International, The Negotiator Awards and hundreds more.

Creative Solutions and Design Agency

A trusted partner for brands, licensees and agencies.

‘Proud

START LICENSING LIMITED Licensing Agent & Consultancy

Start Licensing are an award winning Licensing Agent who represent companies such as Aardman Animations, Britvic Soft Drinks and The Ashmolean Museum as a Licensing Agent.

They also offer Licensing Consultancy services.

Consultancy clients have included Channel 4, The Royal Mail, The National Gallery and Rebellion Publishing.

Start Licensing are experts in licensing. Combining a strategic approach with commercial acumen and creative vision.

For more information and to have an initial chat please call Ian Downes on 07776 228454 or email ian@startlicensing.co.uk @startlicensing

fromStandout Herd!the

WE SIMPLIFY SUSTAINABILITY

A membership community to support and educate your transition to a sustainable and profitable future.

We work with:

• Brand Owners

• Licensed Manufacturers

• Retailers

To help you build:

• For the environment

• For society

• For the future

With education and support with:

• Governance

• Legislation

• Guidelines

Products of Change Membership

Products of Change Media

Products of Change Events

Products of Change Consultancy

Driving business towards a regenerative future

Online educational modules

Online digital hub to connect with members

Sustainable research and insights

Live webinars

Topic specific working groups

Discount to in-person workshops

Discount to our annual conference

(SILC)

A safe community to learn together

What should you look for in a Licensing Management Software Provider? EXPERIENCE

What should you look for in a Licensing Management Software Provider?

EXPERIENCE

Since 2003, we’ve worked in the trenches with some of the world’s most influential brand owners. Over the years, we’ve learned a lot about this highly nuanced industry. The kind of knowledge impossible to acquire without battle-hardened experience. We put that experience to work for every one of our partners. We’ll put it to work for you, too.

Since 2003, we’ve worked in the trenches with some of the world’s most influential brand owners. Over the years, we’ve learned a lot about this highly nuanced industry. The kind of knowledge impossible to acquire without battle-hardened experience. We put that experience to work for every one of our partners. We’ll put it to work for you, too.

FINANCIAL STRENGTH

FINANCIAL STRENGTH

Don’t risk everything on a startup with limited venture capital and a lot of promises. MyMediabox is a business unit of Jonas Software USA, Inc., a subsidiary of CSI, with a CAD $48+ billion market cap. We have the autonomy, flexibility and creativity of a start-up PLUS the monetary strength and security of a financial giant.

Don’t risk everything on a startup with limited venture capital and a lot of promises. MyMediabox is a business unit of Jonas Software USA, Inc., a subsidiary of CSI, with a CAD $48+ billion market cap. We have the autonomy, flexibility and creativity of a start-up PLUS the monetary strength and security of a financial giant.

SECURITY AND TRUST

SECURITY AND TRUST

“What 3rd parties will be able to access your data?“

“What 3rd parties will be able to access your data?“

Be sure to ask! At MyMediabox, we own all our software and hardware, outright. By leveraging the financial strength of our parent company, we deploy state-ofthe-art security measures and redundancies that offer unparalleled protection for our partners’ IPs.

Be sure to ask! At MyMediabox, we own all our software and hardware, outright. By leveraging the financial strength of our parent company, we deploy state-ofthe-art security measures and redundancies that offer unparalleled protection for our partners’ IPs.

FULL SERVICE PARTNERSHIP

FULL SERVICE PARTNERSHIP

We’ll never call you our “client.” Instead, we think of the companies who choose us as our partners. And we know every company is unique. We’ll learn from you, and we’ll include you in the conversation when deciding what new features to add to the development roadmap.

We’ll never call you our “client.” Instead, we think of the companies who choose us as our partners. And we know every company is unique. We’ll learn from you, and we’ll include you in the conversation when deciding what new features add to the development roadmap.

5-STAR CUSTOMER SERVICE

5-STAR CUSTOMER SERVICE

Our partners rated the Mediabox Customer Support Team with top scores in a recent customer satisfaction survey! From your dedicated Account Manager to the experts who answer your support queries, our multinational support team is the best in the industry.

Our partners rated the Mediabox Customer Support Team with top scores in a recent customer satisfaction survey! From your dedicated Account Manager to the experts who answer your support queries, our multinational support team is the best in the industry.

www.mymediabox.com

www.mymediabox.com

LicensingSource.net is the go-to resource for finding out what’s happening in the global licensing industry.

Including news, interviews and analysis, as well as an event diary, a hugely successful jobs board and more, The Source is the central hub of information for the worldwide licensing community.

The team behind LicensingSource.net has over fifty years experience in the licensing industry, and also own and organise The Licensing Awards, publish The Licensing Source Book Europe and an array of other market leading trade titles.

With an e-subscriber database of over 9,500 key contacts, advertisers can expect to receive high visibility, not only on the website, but also on the trusted daily news flashes and social media boasting a strong following.

For the very best information...

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,

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!

BOOKING FORM

The Brand & Lifestyle Licensing Awards reward excellence in product innovation, brand licensing management as well as retail execution within the ever-evolving brand and lifestyle licensing arena.

The 2023 awards will take place during a lunch time ceremony at the fabulous Royal Lancaster Hotel, London. The awards afternoon takes place on Thursday 27th April 2023 where the winners will be announced at a spectacular lunch that includes a cocktail reception, lunch, the awards ceremony and entertainment.

To confirm your attendance, please carefully complete this booking form and return it to Createvents.

Allocation of tables are made on a first come first served basis.

For table bookings & event logistics:

Contact: Clare Hollick, 01183 340 085

Email: clare@createvents.co.uk

For entry nominations and sponsorship enquiries:

Contact: Ian Hyder, 0207 700 6740

Email: ian@max-publishing.co.uk

http://www.thebrandlicensingawards.co.uk/

Please note that tickets will not be sent out until payment has been received.

PAYMENT OPTIONS:

� � CREDIT CARD

The quickest way to book! Please go to: https://www.max-subscriptions.net/tickets/

INVOICE ME

Please note: ALL INVOICES MUST BE PAID BY RETURN, TICKETS WILL NOT BE SENT UNTIL PAYMENT IS RECEIVED. This means that we can only process bookings that require us to issue invoices up to Thursday 30th March 2023. For bookings made after this date, a credit card is required.

� � CHEQUE

Please make payable (including VAT) to:

Max Publishing Ltd

Please send to:

The Brand & Lifestyle Licensing Awards 2023

c/o Createvents Ltd

450 Brook Drive, Reading, RG2 6UU

Please reserve the following:

Please note: price includes drinks reception, 3 course meal and celebrity hosted awards ceremony. All other beverages, including table wines are additional, which are ordered with and charged by the venue directly. Full details in your confirmation email which will be sent to you following receipt of a signed booking form.

BOOKING CONTACT INFORMATION:

Name: ________________________________________________________

Position: ________________________________________________________

Tel No: ________________________________________________________

Company: _______________________________________________________

Address: ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________

Postcode: _______________________ Date: ___________________________

Signature: _______________________________________________________

Bookings will be confirmed upon receipt of a completed booking form. By signing this form you authorise Createvents Ltd, on behalf of Max Publishing Ltd, to proceed with your booking and you acknowledge and understand the cancellation and dietary policy as follows:

 100% refund if cancellation made with 30 days notice prior to event.

 50% refund if cancellation more than 14 days prior to event.

 No refund for cancellations within 14 days of event.

 The person booking this is responsible for highlighting to us any serious dietary conditions for yourself and any of your guests in good time before the event, where we will be pleased to help.

THE ONLY AWARDS TOTALLY DEDICATED TO AWARD BRAND

AND

LIFESTYLE LICENSING

THE AWARDS ARE NOW OPEN FOR ENTRIES. THEY ARE FREE TO ENTER AND DONE SO ENTIRELY ONLINE DEADLINE FOR ENTRY IS WEDNESDAY 8TH MARCH 2023

The 2023 winners of the awards will be revealed at a lavish afternoon event held at The Royal Lancaster Hotel, Lancaster Terrace, London on Thursday 27 April 2023

The B&LLAs bring together retailers, licensees, brand owners and representatives to celebrate excellence in brand and lifestyle licensing.

For information on reserving tickets or tables to the event, please contact: Clare Hollick at Createvents Ltd using clare@createvents.co.uk or calling +44(0)1183 340085

For information on sponsorship or any other enquiries please contact: Ian Hyder, Joint MD of Max Publishing on +44 (0)7525 634306 ianh@max-publishing.co.uk