“The world of sport can play an enormously important role in taking action in the realms of sustainability.”
Simon Gresswell, ambassador for sport within the Products of Change community and founder of SGLP Sports Licensing, led the inaugural meeting on the Products of Change platform last week.
Joining Simon for the conversation was a who’s who of sport licensing including Paul Hepworth, vice president licensing at Liverpool FC; Gary Jacobson, brand licensing manager at Tottenham Hotspur FC; Mark Bell, licensing manager and Grace Rota, licensing executive, Chelsea FC; Paul Speakman, licensing account manager at Man Utd FC; Nicola Thompson, licensing consultant at The FA; Paul Hodgson, mdat FOCO; Daniel Ashmore, retail operations and buying manager at AELTCC Wimbledon; Matt Tomlinson, head of retail, merchandise and licensing at the R&A/The Open; and Paul Ellis, head of licensing and retail for BOA from Team GB.
Also in the loop, but couldn’t make the call is Joan Carrera Lopez, senior manager, retail at F1 CPG Licensing.
Phil Hepworth from Liverpool FC took the group through its ‘The Red Way initiative’ a full sustainability business plan focusing on people, communities and planet, with initiatives spanning staff mental health, local food banks, growing of their own produce, reducing packaging and courier services.
Paul Speakman from Manchester United discussed Markus Rashford’s school meals initiative and the reduction of plastics in their mega store. There was so many stories of fantastic initiatives already taking place, and of working together, it was a truly inspiring meeting.
“It’s clear that the world of sport can play an enormously important role in taking action in the realms of sustainability and can also inspire fans and followers to do the same,” Simon Gresswell commented.
Helena Mansell-Stopher, founder of Products of Change, added: “It was fascinating to learn about the achievements already accomplished within the group and discuss areas of opportunity in working together. Watch this space for more news within the sports group.”
Want to read more news like this? Simply sign up to our daily digest by clicking here. You can also follow @LicensingSource on Twitter and @licensing_source on Instagram.
