8-9-10-11 SOTN_GF.qxp_NEW LSB 2008 GRID 31/07/2021 14:37 Page 1
STATE OF THE NATION: CORPORATE
Deal makers Inset: The new trend packs will allow TfL to move into new categories.
The great British summer is in full swing and the licensing business is embracing the second half of 2021. LSB takes a look at some of the latest activity.
TfL drives ahead
BBC Studios reorganises licensing team BBC Studios has confirmed several changes within its licensing team following the departure of Rikesh Desai, the company’s licensing director for UK & EMEA. Mandy Thwaites, director of magazines, will take on additional responsibility for the merchandising team, and Mat Way, global director of live entertainment will now also lead the gaming and interactive team. Both will continue to report to Stephen Davies, BBC Studios’ managing director of consumer products and licensing. “Rikesh has been a driving force behind our merchandise and gaming licensing activity for the last few years and he generated a significant amount of new business and growth for the company, the recent ground-breaking Doctor Who game releases and
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LICENSING SOURCE BOOK EUROPE 2021
Transport for London has launched an updated core style guide and four new trend packs as part of its continued engagement with the licensing industry. The new creative was launched at a special TfL London Lines event, which showcased the many ways TfL and global licensing agent TSBA have worked with licensing partners to take TfL’s rich archive and use it across product categories, showing how brands and licensees can be part of TfL’s future. The new trend packs draw on assets taken from TfL’s more than 150-year history. While the Underground roundels and tube map continue to be prominent, moquette seat patterns and station architecture also take centre stage. The new packs are named New Iconic, Fashion Forward, New Classic and On the Move. TfL is keen to see new brand partners blend its heritage with the brand’s future, using the colours and themes to inspire new takes on classic iconography and designs. “TSBA developed a licensing strategy for the brand which these new trend packs support, allowing the brand to move into new sectors of the market including homewares and home décor, and products for cycling, walking and wellbeing,” said Jo Edwards, head of global licensing at TSBA Group.
the tidal wave of Bluey merchandise deals to name a few,” commented Stephen. “It’s fair to say that he has left those businesses in terrific shape.” “I am delighted that Mandy and Mat have agreed to take on additional responsibilities. [They] both bring passion, energy and commercial nous to carry on the excellent work taking place across the consumer products and licensing division here at BBC Studios.” Above: Mat Way and Mandy Thwaites have both taken on additional responsibilities.
