Licensee group Character Exchange has been further strengthened by welcoming Abysse, Brands In, Rainbow Productions and Solent Group into the long running group.
This means that there are now 11 non-competing licensee companies within Character Exchange, who meet regularly to discuss licensing, with the latest additions joining Blueprint Collections, Blues, Danilo, Egmont, Farshore & HarperCollins, Roy Lowe and HTI.
Sharing her views, Lisa Shand, managing director at Blueprint and chairperson of The Character Exchange, commented: “As a longstanding member of The Character Exchange, the sharing of ideas, experiences and insights from likeminded businesses has been invaluable. Welcoming Abysse, Brands In, Rainbow Productions and Solent Group as members means that we are all able to gain an even broader collective knowledge in the licensing arena.”
The high level of chatter was testament to the successful networking at the recent Character Exchange annual lunch event, which was held at The Ivy in London’s Covent Garden that was attended by 50 licensors and the licensee members of the group.
Magic Circle member, Tom Elderfield wowed guests and hosts with his own magic tricks, but the real magic was the high level of engagement in the room.
As Mel Beer, head of global licensing at Solent Group, commented: “As a company that has recently joined the Character Exchange, this event is a great opportunity to brainstorm ideas with respected licensees and licensors and agents in a convivial atmosphere.”
For Damian Treece, senior licensing manager at Bravado, he quipped that the event was a great way “of proving to people that I still exist! We are all so busy, it reminds us all of the value of moving away from our screens for a couple of hours and talking to people face to face.”
Echoing these views, Caroline Mickler, founder of Caroline Mickler Licensing, said: “What a very enjoyable way to meet with industry colleagues and celebrate what an extraordinary business of which we are all very lucky to be a part.”
Thanking the Character Exchange group for their generous hospitality on behalf of all the guests, Ian Downes, managing director at Start Licensing, prompted some reflection to think of others.
“Sincere thanks to all of Character Exchange for their hospitality, friendship and support. In what are tough times for many, it is important to remember how we are part of a community; a licensing family and for us all to be aware that there are some within our ‘family’ who are struggling at the moment and to offer them our support.”
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