“A huge honour”, “absolutely thrilled”, “immense pride”, “deeply humbled” and “incredibly proud” were just some of the comments from finalists in this year’s Licensing Awards, with comments flooding in as they looked to share their joy at being nominated.
The finalists were unveiled across the course of last week (8-12 July), with companies large and small receiving the good news that they were in the running to win one of the prestigious accolades.
Rob Broadhurst, commercial director at Brand Alliance – which is nominated for its Hello Kitty collection for Primark in Best Licensed Adult Apparel or Accessories Range – commented: “We are absolutely thrilled to have picked up our first Licensing Awards nomination and, following on from our win at the B&LLAs earlier in the year, it feels like great recognition for the teams and all the hard work they put into these ranges. Good luck to all the nominees!”
Blade & Rose picked up a nomination in Best Licensed Preschool Apparel or Accessories Range for its Paddington collection, with md Amanda Peffer telling LicensingSource.net: “We are thrilled to be shortlisted; the collection has had an overwhelming response from our customers and we can’t wait to attend the event.”
Staying with preschool, and Pip and Posy from Magic Light Pictures has been shortlisted for Best Preschool Licensed Property, with Aidan Taylor-Gooby, licensing director, commenting: “We are so delighted that Pip and Posy has been recognised. Our plush range from Bandai has been an online hit this year and we are thrilled to be bringing the toy range to the high street this autumn.”
Dreamtex is also enjoying success with a preschool brand, with its sustainable BCI Bluey range with the BBC getting a nod in Best Licensed Giftware, Home Décor, Tableware or Housewares Range.
“We’re all absolutely thrilled to be a finalist in this year’s Licensing Awards. We’re incredibly proud of our sustainable BCI Bluey range with the BBC and it feels great to know that our exclusive design for Next has been shortlisted for the best licensed product in the giftware range, home décor, tableware or housewares category,” commented director Jo Duckworth.
Meanwhile, the CoComelon Snacking Range from Piccolo is among the preschool brands nominated in the Best Licensed Food or Drink Range. Samar Selby, director for FMCG & Promotions and Country Lead for Middle East & Africa at Moonbug Entertainment, told LicensingSource.net: “We are thrilled for being nominated, especially among the other great collaborations shortlisted. We wholeheartedly believe in the goodness of our partnership with Piccolo and are grateful for working with such a great team there.”
For Jo Lochhead, founder of The Crafty Kit Company – which is nominated for its Moomin Needle Felting and Embroidery Kits – the recognition “is a testament to our dedication to spreading the joy of crafting and our commitment to delivering high-quality, creative kits, many of which are inspired by Tove Jansson’s beloved Moomin characters. The Moomins have always been a source of inspiration, and we feel priviledged to be able to celebrate their charm through our products. Thank you to The Licensing Awards for this incredible honour.”
The Best Sustainable Licensed Product category will be hard fought this year. Nominee in that category, Sarah Fox from The Makerss – which is shortlisted for its RSPB Needle Felt Picture Kit Collection – commented: “We are deeply humbled to be named a finalist in The Licensing Awards 2024 sustainability category, alongside some of the most inspiring brands globally. The Makerss is a community-first brand, and we wouldn’t be where we are now without our loyal and engaged customers. Our RSPB collaboration needle felt kits represent our commitment to sustainability and creativity, and we are honoured to be recognised among such esteemed company.”
For Paula Regan, publisher at DK, it’s an “absolute delight” to have its LEGO Ideas books nominated in Best Licensed Written, Listening or Learning Range. “We’re extremely proud of the LEGO Ideas books we produce in close collaboration with The LEGO Group, inspiring children around the world to read and play,” Paula commented. “We’re absolutely delighted that these inspirational books are recognised in The Licensing Awards 2024 product category finals.”
Allana Holmes, commercial director at Hunter Price International, is looking forward to “another memorable night” on 10 September, commenting: “To be nominated across the Retail Marketing and Product categories in this year’s awards is a huge honour. I stand by what I said last year – it really is the Grammy’s of the licensing industry.”
The overall team effort was also acknowledged by Laura Jealous, sales and marketing director at Kokomo, which is a nominee in the new Best Licensed Health & Beauty Range for its Adventures of Paddington Bubble Bath & Sandwich Duo. “We are delighted to have reached the finals of The Licensing Awards 2024,” she commented. “It is testament to all those who have entered and reached the finals, with so many entries we are thrilled to have been selected. The recognition from judges in such a big event really means a lot to the team effort at Kokomo. Roll on September for the industry event of the year.”
Back in the property categories, and Marco Huesges, ceo and founder at The emoji company, commented: “I want to express our sincere gratitude for nominating emoji – The Iconic Brand for the Best Children’s or Tween Licensed Property at The Licensing Awards 2024. This recognition is a testament to the hard work and creativity our team has dedicated to bringing joy and expression worldwide. We are truly honoured and delighted to be considered.”
Meanwhile, Alex Mitchell, licensing director at Warner Music Experience, said: “We are delighted to have been nominated for three artists in the Best Music or Celebrity Licensed Property and especially delighted to have the Grateful Dead range with Forest Green Rovers for Best Sustainable Licensed Product. What is always a fun night is made more special when we have our artists/product nominated.”
Retailers have also been overjoyed by their nominations. Gary Williamson, director of pop culture UK and Europe at hmv, commented: “It is an absolute honour to be nominated for the 2024 Licensing Awards as always. We have worked harder than ever to deliver pop culture to our customers this year.”
Meanwhile, Emma Wilkins, brand manager at Character.com, said: “We are incredibly honoured to be nominated in the retailer categories for The Licensing Awards 2024. This nomination is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team, and it reflects our commitment to excellence in the industry. We are truly excited to be part of this celebration of innovation and achievement in the licensing world.”
The Licensing Awards 2024 takes place on Tuesday 10 September at Grosvenor House Hotel, 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 sponsorship or general questions regarding The Licensing Awards, please contact Ian Hyder, Jakki Brown, Rob Willis or Samantha Loveday.
