Inaugural Brand & Lifestyle Licensing Awards hailed as a major success.
Fantastic, inspirational, emotional, fantastic – just some of the words used by winners and attendees to describe the first ever Brand & Lifestyle Licensing Awards.
After months of planning, the inaugural event took place yesterday (Wednesday April 20) at The Dorchester Hotel, London.
Emmanuel Veron, global head of category at Omega Pharma – which scooped the Best Licensed Brand Health and Beauty Product or Range – said: “It’s a great way to be able to celebrate our brand.”
Rachel Wakley, head of licensing for Tesco – which was awarded Best Supermarket Licensed Brand Execution – commented: “We are honoured to be recognised. The whole team will be over the moon!”
Adam Bass, director of Golden Goose – which sponsored the Best Licensed Brand Consumer Electronics or Electricals Product or Range – commented: “It really feels like a milestone in the brand licensing industry and I can’t wait until next year. Max pulled off the whole event with panache!”
Portmeirion’s group sales and marketing director, Phil Atherton (the winner of Best Licensed Brand Home or Garden Product or Range for its Ted Baker The Fine Collection – Rosie Lee), said: “We’re delighted. The award will be placed in the office so all the team at Portmeirion – and Ted Baker – can see it.”
Sarah Theobald, buying manager for gifts at Debenhams – the proud winner of Best Department Store or Mixed Retailer Licensed Brand Execution – enthused: “This is a real surprise! We are delighted – we’ve worked really hard on brands and licences over the last 12 months, and more, so to see it being recognised is brilliant.”
Lauren Sizeland, head of licensing and business development at the V&A, was left almost speechless after picking up the Licensed Heritage or Institution Brand 2016.
“The competition was so great, with so many brands that are now increasing their activity,” she said. “I feel so proud and so grateful to the team and our licensees for allowing us to reach such dizzy heights.”
A shellshocked Sophie Conran – who was awarded Best Licensed Talent Brand 2016 – said: “I am totally surprised and astonished, especially considering the competition [in the category]. It is really special and amazing to get the recognition.”
