“Thrilled”, “a huge honour”, “the absolute pinnacle” and “just incredible” just some of the winners’ feedback from last night’s successful virtual event.
The winners of The Licensing Awards 2020 have been celebrating today, with a number sharing their joy with LicensingSource.net.
Last night’s (Wednesday December 16) virtual awards ceremony attracted almost 1,100 guests from across the licensing industry – both in the UK and overseas – with attendees taking the chance to catch up with industry colleagues in the dedicated Session Rooms and by using the Chat function.
You can read the full list of winners by clicking here.
Emily Jacobs, head of licensing at The LEGO Group, which won Best Licensed Toys or Games Range, told Source: “On behalf of the whole team at the LEGO Group, we are delighted to accept this award. What makes this accolade even more special is that ‘Friends, Central Perk’ was born via our LEGO Ideas platform, where LEGO sets are inspired by and voted by LEGO fans. So this is a true celebration of the creativity, imagination and inspiration of our fan community, epitomising the values of our brand. Thank you to our awesome partners at Warner Bros, and everyone at Max Publishing and The Licensing Awards for the recognition. We very much look forward to celebrating in person next year.”
Charlotte Cosby, head of creative at Farrow & Ball – which scooped Best Licensed Retail Marketing Initiative – commented: “We are so excited to have won this award for our Colour by Nature palette. It was such an exciting project for us, and to have won an award following its success has made it even better.
“We’re thrilled to have created something that celebrates both the beauty of nature and the integral role colour can play in our lives, especially now, when those things feel even more important than ever.”
It was a good night for The Very Hungry Caterpillar brand. Its summer partnership with the RHS and Rocket Licensing won Best Licensed Promotions Campaign, with Liz Thwaite, head of site at RHS Garden Harlow Carr, commenting: “We’re thrilled to win this award for The Very Hungry Caterpillar summer holiday activation at RHS Gardens and Shows, a fitting testament to a great partnership with the team at Rocket Licensing. We’re honoured to have had the opportunity to bring this much-loved tale to life in its 50th anniversary year.”
In addition, The Very Hungry Caterpillar Butterfly Dress-up for George @ Asda from Christy’s by Design picked up Best Licensed Dress-up or Partyware.
Christy’s by Design’s Laura Sumner said: “We’re delighted our Very Hungry Caterpillar butterfly costume for George has won an award this year. It’s fantastic to have recognition for the Christy’s teams’ hard work, especially design and technical, who have done an amazing job.”
Miffy was this year’s winner of the Classic Licensed Property Award, with Mercis’ md Marja Kerkhof telling Source: “We are thrilled as all of us from Mercis have worked hard and will continue to do so, in collaboration with all our partners, to let as many children and adults enjoy the work of Dick Bruna. It’s all about priceless childhood memories, great illustrations, striking colours and a strive for perfection.”
Ben Woodman, commercial manager at GB eye, said it was fantastic for the team to see their hard work being recognised following the company’s win in the Best Licensed Giftware, Home Décor, Tableware or Housewares Range for its Peaky Blinders drinkware.
“It’s always a huge honour to be recognised with a Licensing Award, but this one does feel extra special given the challenging year we’ve all faced,” Ben commented. “It’s fantastic for the team at GB eye to see their hard work rewarded like this; there’s a lot of big smiles and a few sore heads today! Thank you to the team at Max Publishing for managing to still get the industry together and Merry Christmas everyone.”
Harrogate Tipple also continued its winning ways, picking up Best Licensed Food or Drink Range for its Downton Abbey Gin and Whisky.
The company’s founder, Steve Green, said: “Wow what a year, considering… our first year in licensing and it’s been a blast! We have loved every minute of it. Winning this award is the absolute pinnacle for us here at Tipple Towers. To be among such esteemed brands and to win is just incredible… roll on 2021.”
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