Category Archives: Highlight

Moonbug Entertainment to be acquired by Next Generation Media Company

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Moonbug Entertainment, the digital-first, global children’s entertainment company, has announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by the recently formed media company run by leading entertainment executives Kevin Mayer and Tom Staggs and backed by investment capital from Blackstone. Moonbug’s founders CEO René Rechtman and COO John Robson, and existing management team and shareholders, will retain equity stakes in the Mayer-Staggs-Blackstone-backed media company.

Founded in 2018, Moonbug has rapidly built a global family audience through its highly popular shows such as CoComelon, Blippi, Little Baby Bum, and others. Its content appears in 27 languages on more than 100 platforms around the world such as YouTube, Netflix, Hulu, HBO, Amazon and Sky. Moonbug’s CoComelon is currently the second-most subscribed YouTube channel with approximately 120 million subscribers globally and the most-watched kids show on Netflix.

This marks the second acquisition for Mayer and Staggs’ new media company backed by Blackstone, following the acquisition of Hello Sunshine, the mission-driven media company that puts women at the centre of every story it creates, founded by Reese Witherspoon.

“John and I have built a category-leading, digital-first kids entertainment business based on strong values and content that is focused on digital platforms,” says Moonbug’s René Rechtman. “Our vision is to build global family franchises, which is wholly aligned with Kevin and Tom’s vision and experience. I have had the pleasure of working with them both earlier in my career and am thrilled to be reunited to build the next global powerhouse of entertainment. You could not find stronger partners in our industry.”

Kevin Mayer and Tom Staggs added: “We have known René and his innovative team for years, including during our time together at Disney, and they have built a perfect example of the type of category-defining business we are looking to bring into our company. They know how to identify and support brands that are beloved by millions of families across the globe. We and our partners at Blackstone look forward to helping expand Moonbug’s portfolio of titles and further extend its franchises across digital platforms and key licensing and merchandising channels.”

 

TheSoul Publishing hires BuzzFeed leader to spearhead expansion

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Award-winning digital studio TheSoul Publishing is expanding into the consumer product space with the appointment of Ines Pacheco as Director of Licensing. She brings extensive experience to the licensing space as TheSoul looks to bring its more than one billion social media followers a compelling line of products showcasing the studio’s universe of uplifting brands, including 5-Minute Crafts, Bright Side, 123Go! and Slick Slim Sam.

“There is a huge opportunity for TheSoul Publishing to bring its fans new and exciting ways to interact with our world class, market leading brands. From the kid-friendly Slick Slime Sam, to the LOL moments on 123 Go!, to the incredible DIY feats on 5-Minute Crafts, our entire offering has proven to both keep up with trends and remain ‘sticky’ to viewers across genres, locations, and age ranges,” says Patrik Wilkens, TheSoul Publishing’s Vice President of Operations. “Bringing in a professional with direct consumer product experience like Ines will help launch this growing aspect of our business and establish TheSoul Publishing brand as a household name.”

Pacheco previously managed global operations for brand licensing as BuzzFeed’s Vice President of Licensing and Brand Design Operations. She has an extensive portfolio of brand experience in categories including kitchenware, toys & games, pets, food & beverage, and apparel. She also developed and executed marketing campaigns for licensed products while building brand guidelines, creating logos, and designing packaging. In addition, Pacheco will draw on experience at The Wall Street Journal where she led the rollout of a new sales organization structure. Pacheco is a graduate of Harvard University.

“I’ve been a fan of TheSoul Publishing’s content for years and I believe there’s a huge opportunity for growth in this space,” says Pacheco. “We’re starting with a massive audience that any marketer would jump to have the opportunity to connect with. Now comes the fun part: figuring out exactly what our audience wants, and how to get it to them wherever they shop!”

In capitalising on crave-worthy consumer trends including cutting-edge 3D technology, stop motion, fun live-action, quirky music videos, craft projects and vibrant animation, TheSoul Publishing is enjoying huge success on social media. Its universally positive channels, including 5-Minute Crafts, 123 GO!, and Slick Slime Sam, are distributed across social media and streaming platforms including Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, SnapChat, TikTok, YouTube, Amazon Prime, and Chinese platforms including Xigua, Douyin and Bilibili.

This latest high-profile hire follows TheSoul Publishing surpassing one billion subscribers across all of its social media platforms. Tubular Labs reports TheSoul Publishing has garnered the most online media views every month since October 2020, outpacing legacy creators including ViacomCBS, Sony Pictures, Comcast and The Walt Disney Company.

TheSoul Publishing has garnered numerous accolades including the ‘Digital Studio of the Year’ at the 2021 Digiday Video & TV Awards, a 2021 Drum Award win for Best Use of Pinterest, a 2021 Webby Award nomination for 5-Minute Crafts, a 2020 Streamy Award nomination (Best Brand Engagement), a pair of 2021 Shorty Award nominations (Best YouTube presence, Best Community Engagement), a 2021 Drum Award nomination (Video Team of the Year) and a Media Excellence Award win (Excellence in Original Content).

For further information about TheSoul Publishing visit the website.

 

Barbour enlists Paddington for new Christmas campaign

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Leading heritage and lifestyle brand Barbour is collaborating for the first time with the much-loved children’s character Paddington Bear for this year’s seasonal campaign, with a seasonal film that includes the original Peggy Fortnum illustration style which has never been animated before.

Barbour’s festive film follows the mishaps and adventures of Paddington Bear as he comes up with an idea for a thoughtful gift. Full of nostalgia, it celebrates the joy of giving a very special present that means so much.

Paul Wilkinson, Group Marketing Director, Barbour, says: “Paddington Bear is a much-loved children’s character who is kind-hearted and full of good intentions, even if he does get into scrapes along the way!  To celebrate our Re-Waxing Centenary, we have centred the story around a thoughtful gift from Paddington as he re-waxes Mr Brown’s beloved Barbour jacket for Christmas. It’s nostalgic, humorous and sentimental and shows just how much our Barbour jackets are loved and become an important part of the family; if re-waxed at least once a year, they can last a long long time.”

Triple Academy-Award-winning production company Passion Pictures produced the animation in hand-painted 2D. Directed by trio againstallodds, the film was created in TV Paint and aftereffects, with painstaking efforts made to faithfully bring Peggy Fortnum’s signature style to life. Every frame of the animation is hand drawn and painted with close to 3000 hours of work since May going into the design, animation and composition of the final film.

Working closely with the production team at Passion Pictures, Barbour’s integrated creative agency, Thinking Juice, were inspired by the Paddington quote “Please look after this bear” from the original story to come up with the narrative and the creative elements of the campaign.

The agreement was brokered by The Copyrights Group, a Vivendi Company which owns the Paddington brand. Rachel Clarke, SVP UK – Licensing & Retail at The Copyrights Group said: “Copyrights are absolutely delighted to be partnering with Barbour for this wonderful heartwarming campaign full of kindness, humour and fun, just like Paddington himself”.

To support the campaign, Barbour is launching a children’s Paddington Bear collection. Soft jersey sweats and hoodies in navy, red, grey and ecru feature alongside nightwear, all with humorous Paddington Bear illustrations by Peggy Fortnum  – some with a Barbour twist. Accessories include hat and scarf sets, beanie hats and cosy wellington socks.

To watch the Barbour Christmas film via the Barbour website, click here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Percy The Park Keeper partners with the National Trust for nationwide winter trails

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This winter, 121 National Trust gardens and parklands across England, Wales and Northern Ireland will be inviting families to step into the wonderful world of Percy the Park Keeper, thanks to a new agreement signed by the brand’s licensing agent The Point.1888.

In partnership with the best-selling author and illustrator Nick Butterworth, the Percy the Park Keeper Winter Wander at National Trust sites will introduce children and their families to the busy park keeper and his animal friends.

Running from Saturday 4 December until Sunday 30 January* the self-led trail will invite families to join Percy’s team as he races to get the park and its animals ready for winter. After reading Percy’s handwritten note, families will help find Percy’s equipment and enjoy activities and games as they complete the trail. They’ll also be a prize to collect and a photo opportunity with Percy and his friends at the end.

This is a significant agreement for Nick Butterworth’s brand licensing programme with The Point.1888 to bring his portfolio of literary brands to life as consumer products and programmes. As well as Percy the Park Keeper series, the portfolio includes the hugely popular children’s books My Dad is Brilliant, My Mum is Fantastic, My Grandma is Wonderful, My Grandpa is Amazing, and the Altogether Now series. Nick has sold over 20 million books in more than 35 languages, with Percy the Park Keeper selling more than nine million copies in partnership with HarperCollins.

Olivia Wiggett, Associate Commercial Manager at The Point.1888, says: “Nick’s books, with their ethos of caring for each other and the world around us, were of great support to so many people during lockdown and now that restrictions have eased and children and families can go out once more to explore, we’re delighted that Percy the Park Keeper will be right alongside them. This deal is incredibly important to the programme and there are many more exciting plans to come.”

Commenting on the appointment, Nick Butterworth said, “I am absolutely delighted that Percy and his animal friends are partnering with the National Trust this winter. The houses and gardens of the National Trust are inspirational places and good for the soul. As parents and grandparents we have found ourselves lost in a world of imagination in the wonderful grounds. So much so that sometimes we have actually been lost, but there aren’t many better places to be! The past 18 months have been very difficult for so many people and also the National Trust. To be part of something that supports the National Trust, that gets people outdoors and spreads some happiness this winter is terrific.”

Lucy Footer, Creative Programming Manager, National Trust, added: “We are thrilled to be bringing the magic of Percy’s world to National Trust places this winter. The Percy the Park Keeper winter wander will take place across 121 of our properties including parklands like Percy’s, gardens, landscapes, and coastal sites in our care, bringing delight to families across regions and countries.

“Since we announced the trail, it has become clear how well-loved Percy is particularly amongst our garden and ranger teams and of course our visitors. The Percy stories have even inspired one or two of our staff to become National Trust rangers themselves!

“The world of Percy is gentle and kind and through the stories we’re invited to help Percy solve problems, care for nature, notice what’s around and of course have fun, helped by his animal friends. It’s in this spirit that we will engage families and visitors of all ages through the winter wander experience, and we cannot wait to welcome them”.

*Dates may vary across National Trust properties

 

Spotlight on Brands I Pink Key gets Vim!

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Spotlight on brands

 

Vimto is a brand with real pedigree. Nationally renowned and proudly from the North, it also has a proven licensing pedigree.

It all began in Manchester in 1908 when John Noel Nichols created the drink we know and love as a herbal health tonic using a secret recipe combining fruits, herbs and spices from around the world. It  was a pick-me-up, giving the consumer ‘vim’ (energy and enthusiasm) and ‘vigour’ (strength and power).

But the brand we know now as Vimto has never stood still. From its rich heritage it has kept itself contemporary by adapting to changes in consumer conditions and tastes and has developed a versatile product range. There are numerous ways now in which you can enjoy the great taste of Vimto – from the ‘schlurp’ out of a can to hot (yes, hot!) Vimto to fend off those chilly winter nights.

Yet, through all these developments, the brand character has always remained constant: a fun, high-quality, refreshingly different soft drink.

 

Perfect partnerships

Vimto is no stranger to the licensing world, and has already acquired many food licensees managed by its dedicated Commercial Development Controller, Helen Hartley, who has brought on board a number of partners including:

  • Confectionery with Vimto Bon Bons, Jelly Babies and Juicy Mixups
  • Frozen foods with Vimto Ice Lollies, Cheesecake, Pyramids and No Added Sugar Remix Ice Pops
  • Dedicated Vimto ‘Factories’ in Selfridges, the Trafford Centre Manchester and the Bullring Birmingham, offering Vimto Slush, drinks and confectionery
  • Vimto protein powders and vitamins in partnership with the world’s number one sports nutrition brand MYPROTEIN.

Vimto is extending its licensing programme to take both and its rich history and heritage into the non-food arena.

Pink Key’s pedigree

Pink Key Licensing is Vimto’s exclusive UK agent to develop the non-food programme, and will be offering new licensees a style guide that will focus on the brand’s history and is packed with visuals of posters, packs and amazing artwork from the extensive Vimto archive, including Vimto logos and slogans.

Richard Pink of Pink Key says: “The Vimto archive is extraordinary in its range of colour and usable assets. It’s a brand that I’ve always felt would be an ideal fit with what we do so well, and I’m delighted that Vimto think so too!”

There is no doubt that Vimto seems to naturally fit within Pink Key’s portfolio, which incudes food brands Kellogg’s, Pringles, SLUSH PUPPiE and The Laughing Cow, alongside the heritage programme that Richard and his team have been running for Pan American Airways.

“Having lived in Manchester myself, I have an appreciation of just how proud the people are of home-grown and developed brands; they are fiercely loyal,” says Richard. “And it’s not just anecdotal: Vimto is a nationally recognised brand, but in its home town its popularity rivals the best in the world!”

 


If you are interested in talking to
Pink Key about licensing Vimto you can
contact Richard at
richard@pinkkey.co.uk

 

 

 

Interview: Anna Knight, BLE Event Director, talks trends, testing and Team GB

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Hi Anna, thanks for giving up your time in the run-up to the show. We’re guessing everyone is delighted to be able to meet in person again. Is there a real sense of excitement?

100 per cent. Me and the whole BLE team can’t wait to get to ExCeL and see everyone in person again. The support we’ve had from exhibitors (199 companies confirmed to date), the numbers of visitor registrations we’ve had and the fact over 1,500 meeting requests have already been sent show how excited the industry is, too. It’s a brilliant opportunity to reconnect and reunite the European licensing industry and we’re only too happy to play our part.

Are there any new initiatives this year?

Yes, there’s loads of news stuff this year, starting with a new theme – What’s Next – which is aptly forward-looking after the two years we’ve all endured and highlights the progress that’s being made when it comes to D&I and sustainability, among other things. Check out the Agents of Change gallery in the main entrances that highlights Who’s Next in licensing.

Don’t miss the Sustainability Activation in partnership with Products of Change: a must-stop for brands, retailers and manufacturers and packed with innovation when it comes to sustainable technology, processes, materials, retail, product, and fashion design. We’ll have product showcases from the likes of Lego, Keel Toys, George at Asda, Natural History Museum, The Eden Project, Tesco, Teemill and many more.

There are five brilliant insight sessions in the Retail Trends Lounge from the likes of George @ Asda and Hasbro, Kids Industries and The Insights People.

Please wear bright clothes on Thursday for Colour for Kelvyn day and pop to The Light Fund stand to make a donation. You can also bring a piece of preloved branded clothing, you can swap it in our Newlife Charity Branded Clothes Swap in the Sustainability Activation in return for a donation to the Light Fund, too.

We have partnered with Battersea Dogs & Cats Home to bring dogs to the show for visitors to pet and cuddle as part of our commitment to health and wellness. And I hope everyone joins us for our Welcome Back drinks between 5pm and 7pm on the show floor across our Crunchyroll Bar, BLE Bar and Motul Cafe

The keynote speakers this year sound really interesting. Do you think diversity and inclusion is going to become second nature to companies, moving forward?

Yeah, they are both pretty epic keynotes, aren’t they? On Wednesday 17 at 4pm we’ll have a Team GB panel session featuring two British Olympic gold medallists, Tom Daley and Charlotte Worthington, who’ll be appearing alongside Tim Ellerton (Team GB) and Will Stewart (The Point.1888).

The second is at 1pm on Thursday 18 November and is a super insightful session from ViacomCBS Consumer Products discussing insights from its Diversity & Inclusion efforts with a specific focus on its recent toy research. This keynote will follow a presentation from Black Lives Matter Licensing UK. ViacomCBS has also curated three exclusive online sessions for us that go live on 22 November with very senior executives looking at D&I in the workplace, in content and in products.

Diversity, equity and inclusion cannot be ignored any longer. The uprising of the Black Lives Matter movement in the States last year was a real tipping point and brands are now taking action to ensure that their marketing, products and people are truly – and authentically – reflective of the society that they operate in. It’s important to note, too, that inclusivity is not – and should not – be limited to race, but must also take into account gender, age, physical and neuro disability and social mobility.

Can you tell us a bit more about the Covid measures and testing processes you’ve put in place?

We take our role as a safe event organiser very seriously. This is why we’re going above and beyond UK Government guidelines and asking people to wear masks while they’re on the show floor unless they are medically exempt, are eating and drinking, or they are in a business meeting where everyone is comfortable being mask-free.

We have also partnered with ExpressTest by CignPost to facilitate all testing requirements for international attendees. Anyone needing to take a day two test to enter England will be able to purchase a ‘click and collect’ testing kit to be picked up at ExCeL. The tests can be self-administered in any location with results uploaded online. Those requiring a ‘fit to fly’ test for re-entry into their country of origin will also be able to benefit from an onsite service with tests carried out by CignPost staff in secure private meeting rooms at the venue.

These are just two of many measures in place. The full BLE health and safety plan can be found here and ExCeL London’s safety plan can be found here.

What’s been the interest so far in the Kelvyn Gardner License This! Competition?

 So, this is our 11th year of License This! but our first named in tribute to Kelvyn. Once again, we’ve had some truly creative and professional entries for all three award categories and we have nine finalists who will battle it out for the much-coveted Brand & Design, Character & Animation and Product Design trophies in the Retail Trend Lounge on Friday 19 November.

How do you think the licensing industry has weathered the storms of the pandemic, and where do you see it heading in 2022 and beyond?

When you look at industries like travel or hospitality, the licensing sector has had a much milder storm to navigate and, in fact, some categories within licensing – toys, games, puzzles, outdoor play – have had a fantastically successful 18 months.

In 2022 and beyond, I’m personally interested to see what happens in the world of location based entertainment now everything is opening up post-pandemic, and this is the theme for Licensing Expo in May. The licensing partnerships between entertainment brands and fashion have really pushed the envelope in recent years and I think we’ll see a lot more from these collabs especially as more high end and edgy brands enter the game.

Are there any collaborations that have impressed you this year, or that you’re looking forward to seeing?

In the toy space, LEGO and Barbie have always been particularly creative with collabs. I love that LEGO is at COP 26 advising governments on the next steps children want to see them carry out. I love that Smurfs are working so closely with the UN to promote the sustainability message among kids. And I love the quirky collabs you don’t expect but make perfect sense when you see them, like Kermit on a pair of Stan Smiths.

UEFA launches sales process for UEFA national team football licensing rights

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UEFA has announced that it is inviting interested parties to make proposals for certain licensing and marketing rights in relation to the Master Licensee, Onsite Retailer and Online Retailer categories for certain UEFA national team football competitions taking place during the period 2023 -2028. The national team football competitions in question are: the UEFA European Football Championship 2024 and 2028, the UEFA Nations League Finals 2023, 2025 and 2027, the UEFA European Women’s Championship 2025, the UEFA European Under-21 Championship 2023, 2025 and 2027 and the UEFA European Futsal Championship 2026.

Interested parties should send an email to CAA Eleven via the address below as soon as possible and include the following initial information in their email:

  • Company profile presentation;
  • Details of any relevant licences held and events operated.

Any company wanting to take part in the formal request for proposals (“RFP”) process should register its interest to CAA Eleven Sàrl via: licensing@caa11.com by no later than Friday 26 November, 2021

The RFP process will be administered by CAA Eleven Sàrl on behalf of UEFA.

 

BLE unveils content agenda for online event

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Brand Licensing Europe has unveiled its online agenda which will go live on 22 November as part of the online experience supporting the in-person event, taking place 17-19 November at ExCeL London, allowing attendees to enjoy sessions on-demand and use their time at the show to focus on in-person meetings, live experiences and walking the floor.
The two-day online event (30 November – 1 December) offers additional virtual networking and learning opportunities. The networking allows those who attend BLE in-person to book follow up and overflow meetings and ensures that people who are unable to travel to London for BLE don’t miss out on valuable business opportunities. With 1,500+ meetings already confirmed, the free meetings platform is already open allowing registered attendees to start planning their diary and send meetings requests.
The event’s online content programme will continue the show’s ‘What’s Next’ theme and includes three online-only ‘In Conversation’ sessions with senior executives from ViacomCBS Consumer Products; a Sustainability Panel with Products of Change and Licensing U, alongside the option to watch recordings of the Team GB and ViacomCBS live keynotes; the five ‘What’s Next at Retail’ sessions taking place at the show and more – all of this content will be available to watch on demand until 28 February 2022.
ONLINE-ONLY CONTENT INCLUDES:
‘D&I In Conversation’ sessions with ViacomCBS executives
• Diversity in the Workplace with
o Wincie Knight, VP Global inclusion Strategy, ViacomCBS International

o Nancy Lenghorn, Global Chief Inclusion and Culture Officer, MediaCom (moderator)

• Diversity in Content with 
o Wendy Harris – SVP of Content & Creative Affairs, 9 Story Media Group
o Farrell Hall – Chief Inclusion Officer, 9 Story Media Group
o Nina Hahn – Senior Vice President, International Production & Development, Nickelodeon International & Head of ViacomCBS International Studios (VIS) Kids

o Keith Dawkins, Founder & CEO, Rock Hill Media Ventures (moderator)

• Diversity in Products with
o Simta Sawhney, UK Category Direct, ViacomCBS Consumer Products
o Shalom Lloyd, Founder & Managing Director, Naturally Tribal
o Saphia Maxamed, President @London Entertainment Inc & Founder, Black Lives Matter Licensing (moderator)
Brands for Social Change
Join Products of Change as they talk to Yellow Octopus, Newlife, Preloved Kilo and George at Asda to discuss how they are diverting clothes from landfill and building a fully circular fashion industry. Speakers include:
o Amanda Gallacher, Sustainability and Brand, George at Asda
o Sheila Brown, CEO, Newlife
o Steve Lynam, MD, Preloved Kilo
o Jack Ostrowski, Founder and CEO, Yellow Octopus
o Helena Mansell-Stopher, Founder, Products of Change (moderator)
“The quality of content for BLE online is phenomenal and hats off to ViacomCBS for curating three amazing sessions delivered from very senior perspectives on some of the most important topics businesses within licensing are addressing right now,” says Anna Knight, VP Licensing, Informa Markets.
“These sessions – and more – are just a small part of a much bigger focus for BLE and the Global Licensing Group around sustainability and D&I during 2022. We promise to continue sparking these incredibly important conversations at each of our flagship events and conferences and through License Global content.
Licensing U
BLE and Licensing International are bringing the Licensing U programme to Europe for the first time. Featuring 14 presentations across three tracks – Basics, Spotlights and Tactics & Strategies – Licensing U is a one-stop-shop education programme about the $292bn licensing industry for newcomers and experienced professionals.
Licensing U will take on a fully virtual format and will be available on demand for three months from 22 November 2021. Tickets start at £145 if purchased ahead of the event, or £160 in the platform, and can be purchased when registering for BLE. (Licensing International members can enjoy a 10% discount).
“We’re pleased that Licensing U, which has long been a mainstay of Licensing Expo Las Vegas, is now part of BLE, with outstanding speakers and presenters, offering information and insights for both industry newcomers and seasoned executives,” said Maura Regan, President of Licensing International.
LICENSING U AT BLE
Basics Track:
How does licensing work? What do I need to know to get started? Executives and experts will create the foundation of your licensing knowledge to help you understand the ins and outs of the business.
• Basics of Licensing
• Licensing Law for Non-Lawyers
• Working with Agents & Consultants:
• Style Guides: Bringing Brands to Life
 
Spotlights Track:
We’ll take a deep dive into some of the key growth categories within the licensing business, covering the unique aspects of those classifications, current trends and spotlighting some of the opportunities and challenges that are ahead.
• Art Licensing
• Location-Based Licensing
• Sports Licensing
• Gaming & eSports
• Fashion
Tactics & Strategies Track:
Aside from the products and brands themselves, the success of a licensing program is determined by how it’s brought to market. These sessions will examine some of the forces at play, and how licensing executives create strategies to give them the best chance to succeed.
• The Key to Successful Partnerships & Collaborations
• Confronting Supply Chain Challenges
• The Changing Face of Retail
• Sustainability
• How to Promote Diversity & Inclusion in Licensing, Marketing and Advertising: A UNICEF Playbook

 

English Heritage licensing programme builds momentum

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The English Heritage licensing programme is building momentum with a roster of new licensees signing up to work with the charity that cares for 400 historic sites, which receive over 10 million visitors a year.

New licensed products launching next year cover a wide range of categories, from wooden jigsaw puzzles (Wentworth Puzzles) to handmade tinned fudge (Gardiners). In addition, there are advanced plans for a complete range of homewares in development to include furniture, fabrics, wallpaper, outdoor fabrics, tiles, paint, bedding and more.

Helen Webster, Account Director of English Heritage’s brand licensing consultancy Golden Goose, says: “We have been very pleased to see the appetite for the English Heritage programme from manufacturers across multiple categories and sectors. We expect English Heritage licensed products to be a prominent and successful feature of UK retail for many years to come.”

“The work Golden Goose are doing now is building a very strong foundation for the future,” adds Kingston Myles, Head of Commercial for English Heritage. “The many plans in development will really allow us to showcase, at pace, the charity’s intellectual property and collection of sites.”

Based in London, Golden Goose is a pan-European brand licensing consultancy established in 2002 to help corporate brands develop licensing opportunities. Other clients include Men’s Health & Women’s Health (Hearst), Mother&Baby (Bauer), Del Monte, Shepperton Design Studio’sOriginal Stormtrooper and the Tusk Trust.

English Heritage and Golden Goose will be exhibiting at BLE and will be on stand C200.

 

Motul appoints Blue Chip Brands as its agency for Australia and NZ

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Following its appointment in March of WildBrain CPLG as its global agent (excluding AsiaPac), engine oil brand – and now lifestyle brand – Motul has appointed Blue Chip Brands as its agent for Australia and New Zealand.

Motul has also appointed licensing specialist PR and marketing agency kilogrammedia to manage its relations with the licensing trade press. In addition, the brand will be the sponsor of the Motul Café, the Brands & Lifestyle Bar at Brand Licensing Europe at London’s Excel from 17-19 November.

Motul is specialises in the formulation, production and global distribution of high-tech engine lubricants for the consumer market.

In the 1950s the brand began using racetracks and international motorsports events to develop, refine and test its products. As a result, the company has been a dedicated technical partner and official supplier to some of the best-known teams and manufacturers in history, with a presence in over 160 countries, and numerous event partnerships including the Dakar Rally, Le Mans and Goodwood Revival.

Among the many categories the campaign is targeting will be bags, stationery, earphones, phone covers, masks, kitchenware, houseware and, of course, car accessories. It will also address a wide range of apparel, from t-shirts to padded jackets, deck shoes to hats, safety helmets and sportswear. Like the brand’s famous red and white banner, the designs will be simple, direct and striking.

Nature and the great outdoors are another target market, with potential for rugged, functional apparel lines as well as backpacks, tents and portable stoves.

There is also the opportunity to highlight the near 100-year heritage of the brand through special retro ranges deploying versions of the brand throughout its early history.

Managing the Motul campaign is Laurent Taieb, a licensing specialist with over 25 years’ experience. He says: “Our aim with Motul is to bring both the brand and its many associations to a global audience. The appointments of both WildBrain CPLGand Blue Chip Brands are key to developing the extraordinary potential of this brand, and we’re delighted to be working with both of these highly respected agencies.”