There is just one week to go until the winners of the 2025 Brand & Lifestyle Licensing Awards are crowned.
The event will take place on Thursday 24 April at the Royal Lancaster London, where the assembled audience of retailers, licensees, brand owners and industry executives will celebrate the achievements of the 219 finalists across 22 categories, as well as witnessing the crowning of this year’s Brand Ambassador.
Kelly Hoppen CBE was announced earlier this week as guest speaker, helping to kick off the B&LLAs in style.
“The brand and lifestyle licensing industry has always been innovative, but it seems to have really hit a sweet spot of late,” commented Ian Hyder, ceo at Max Publishing (which owns and organises the B&LLAs). “Our 2025 shortlist includes some truly inspired tie-ups which showcase the stories, people and ethos behind the brands involved perfectly.
“The reactions of our finalists when they found out they were shortlisted is further proof, if any were needed, just what it means to have this innovation, hard work, tenacity and drive recognised.”
Kate Smith, owner of the Katie Smith Company – which is nominated in Best Brand Licensed Gifting Product or Range with the 2024 Greeting Cards & Gifts Collection from Moonpig – is a prime example of the excitement emanating from the finalists ahead of the event.
“When I hit submit on our B&LLA entries, I was probably, sort of, definitely certain we wouldn’t win anything… so to get the email saying we were finalists more than made my day,” she told LicensingSource.net. “What an honour to sit among the other rock star nominees in our category. Our fingers are double – scratch that – triple crossed!”
Laura Jealous, Kokomo Studio co-owner and sales and marketing director, had this to say on the company’s nomination in Best Brand Licensed Health & Beauty Product or Range for its Hot Wheels Bathtime Collection: “We are absolutely thrilled to have been shortlisted in the finals. This recognition celebrates the teams’ efforts to bring winning formats, design and licences together and I couldn’t be prouder of everyone’s efforts to make this happen. We are keeping our fingers crossed, looking forward to the celebrations and wishing all the nominee’s good luck!”
Emma Saunders, senior licensing manager at Historic Royal Palaces, meanwhile, said she was “thrilled” to be nominated for its collaboration with British hair salon Percy & Reed.
The Brand & Lifestyle Licensing Awards 2025 takes place on Thursday 24 April at the Royal Lancaster London.
Tickets and tables can be reserved quickly and securely online by visiting Max-Tickets.net or by contacting Clare Hollick at Create Events: clare@createvents.co.uk or phone +44 (0)1183 340085.
For general questions regarding the B&LLAs 2025, please contact Ian Hyder, Jakki Brown, Rob Willis or Samantha Loveday.
