We’ll be back on Tuesday 3 January 2023… until then, we round up some of the top stories from LicensingSource.net over the past 12 months.
With many of us already ‘out of office’, and the big day fast approaching, LicensingSource.net would like to take this opportunity to wish all our readers a wonderful festive break.
We will be taking some time out over the Christmas and New Year period too, returning on Tuesday 3 January 2023 to bring you all the latest news.
We know that there have been many challenges this year for everyone involved in the licensing space – despite this, we continue to be constantly impressed with the industry’s determination, tenacity and positivity.
For us at LicensingSource.net, the success of both the Brand & Lifestyle Licensing Awards and The Licensing Awards have been highlights, as well as the first in-person Sustainability in Licensing Conference.
We couldn’t do what we do without the amazing support of the nursery and preschool industry, so thank you for your continuous backing throughout the year. The team wishes you the merriest of Christmases, and a happy and healthy New Year.
Here’s a round up of some of the most read stories on LicensingSource.net over the past 12 months.
January
Spielwarenmesse 2022 cancelled – the world’s largest toy trade show was officially cancelled following weeks of speculation as to the fate of this year’s event.
Erve Group sets up permanent home in the UK & Ireland – the licensees reveals the official launch of a new UK-based company, Erve UK & Ireland, bringing over 35 years of licence and brand experience directly to the UK and Ireland.
Hasbro promotes Sally Carnota to new senior role – Sally took on the new role of senior director of UK licensed consumer products within Hasbro’s global licensing team.
February
Changes at The Point.1888 as Bethan Garton becomes chief commercial officer – LicensingSource catches up with Bethan Garton and Will Stewart, the agency’s founder, to find out more about the recent restructure and how it will allow the company to grow further.
What brands need to know about NFTs and the metaverse – Reality Gaming Group’s Jake Scott on why brands should be learning about NFTs and their potential place in the metaverse before jumping in.
30 not out: How Pyramid International is eyeing further growth as it marks 30 years – LicensingSource catches up with Mordy Benaiah to find out how the licensee is looking to reap the benefits from some major investments as the business celebrates its 30th anniversary this year.
Toy Fair 2022 highlights… it’s this week’s Licensing Lookout – Start Licensing’s Ian Downes reports back from Toy Fair and highlights why there was a lot to be pleased about from a licensing point of view.
March
Brand & Lifestyle Licensing Awards 2022: The finalists
Northern Light Fund Quiz Night raises almost £14,000 – the event’s return to Manchester raised almost £14,000 for the industry charity.
Jon Spalding joins Mattel as head of UK consumer products and hardlines EMEA – Jon was charged with leading the UK consumer products team and will also take regional leadership for the hardlines category across EMEA.
“We’ve learnt the importance of adaptability and relationships” – executives from Character.com and George @ Asda shared their views on how licensed product had performed throughout the pandemic, what they look for in a supplier and what they’ve learnt during the past two years at the first Brands & Retail UK Pitch Smarter event.
April
Brand & Lifestyle Licensing Awards 2022: The Winners – hosted by Ed Gamble, the brand licensing community’s annual get-together, was attended by 400 retailers, licensees and brand owners who shared in the joy as the worthy winners made their way to the stage to collect their trophies.
Creative Artists Agency acquires full ownership of CAA-GBG – prior to the transaction, the brand management agency was operated through a joint venture formed in 2016 between CAA and Global Brands Group (GBG).
George @ Asda unveils key partnership with Netflix – the partnership launched with Squid Game, Stranger Things, The Witcher, Money Heist, Sex Education, Emily in Paris and Cobra Kai.
YouTube, Netflix and McDonald’s among the coolest brands for kids and teens – YouTube is number one in the 50 Coolest Brands for Kids & Teens which has been unveiled by Beano Brain, the specialist kids and family insights agency.
May
Primark reveals next phase of Netflix partnership – Primark reveals the latest tie-up with Netflix with the launch of a new 11-piece collection to mark the much-anticipated release of season 4 of Stranger Things.
Check out our Licensing Expo 2022 photo gallery
Coca-Cola opens first flagship concept store in London – the new retail destination is the first of its kind in Europe and offers a range of limited edition apparel collections, exclusive designer collaborations, gift items and unique drinks.
V&A, Mad Beauty, Amy Winehouse among Licensing International Excellence Awards winners
June
Challenge complete! The Light Fund English Channel Relay swimmers emerge victorious – The Light Fund relay swimmers were “euphoric, exhausted and completely humbled”, with both teams having safely reached French soil having begun their epic challenge to swim the English Channel.
Licensed characters ready to star as part of The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Pageant – a host of licensed costume characters took part in The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations this weekend.
The LEGO Group launches biggest ever global brand campaign to mark 90 years – The LEGO Group has launched its biggest ever global brand campaign celebrating the power of play and the creativity of its fans in the lead up to its 90th anniversary on 10 August, 2022.
Formula E brings licensing in-house – Formula E, the world’s only electric single-seater race, has been busy strengthening its in-house licensing team, as it looks to speed ahead with its licensing plans.
July
The Licensing Awards 2022: The Finalists
Disney holds firm as world’s leading licensor – the Top Global Licensors Report 2022 is indicating signs of industry wide recovery following the pandemic, with The Walt Disney Company holding firm as the world’s top licensor.
The Light Fund Summer Treasure Hunt raises £7,500 – returning for the first time since 2019, the treasure hunt took place around the historic Waterloo area, marked by several local pubs and culminating in food, drinks and networking at Tonight Josephine.
Ruth Golightly to leave Asda to join Blues Group – after 17 years working for Asda, latterly as head of womenswear and the licensing team, Ruth Golightly joined the Blues Group as divisional sales and design director for Blues Nightwear.
August
Panini launches the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Official Sticker Collection – all 32 qualified teams are included and are represented by a squad of 18 players, official strips and badges.
TSBA Group bags Kurt Geiger for TfL accessories collaboration – Kurt Geiger London joins forces with London’s transport network – Transport for London – to launch a new collaborative collection of bags and other accessories over the next 18 months.
September
The Licensing Awards 2022: The Winners
Brand Licensing Europe 2022: “The ambience and atmosphere was electric” – “Our industry at its best”, “busy throughout”, “exciting, relevant and informative”, “a great vibe” just some of the feedback from the show.
October
Disney begins 100th anniversary celebrations – Disney begins its 100th anniversary celebrations by revealing a series of exclusive experiences, exhibitions, concerts and new products coming to Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) next year.
Licensing Expo reveals new June date for 2023 – The show will run from 13-15 June 2023 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas.
Industry digs deep at The Light Fund Southern Quiz Night – the Southern Quiz Night in aid of The Light Fund was another successful evening – raising some £5,000 for the industry charity.
November
Harris McQueen begins new role with Outerstuff – after roles at Primark, NBC Universal and Pokémon, popular industry executive Harris McQueen has joined Outerstuff as sales and marketing director EME across fashion and mass market retailers.
Licensing Link Europe strikes new sales partnership with Lightbulb Licensing – Lightbulb Licensing’s Susan Bolsover will be working with the agency across its brand portfolio.
Tinderbox expands partnerships for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II – Tinderbox – the digital division of Beanstalk – reveals a new wave of products to coincide with the launch of the latest title in the Call of Duty franchise.
December
Warner Bros. Discovery Global Brands and Experiences names new CP leadership team – Warner Bros. Discovery Global Brands and Experiences confirms a new global leadership team for its consumer products business.
Bumper year for The Light Fund helps greenlight 59 charity projects – the industry charity has raised a stunning £356,242 this year 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.
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