Category Archives: Media & PR

Louis Kennedy supports FareShare this festive season with Christmas ecard send out

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With Christmas 2020 rapidly approaching, sending a greeting to colleagues and friends feels even more essential than ever before. Louis Kennedy wanted to mark this festive season by do something extra special which would have the widest possible impact; on recipients, the communities we live in and the planet. 

Which is why, this week, inboxes across the country will receive a very special delivery via DontSendMeACard.com with a heartfelt message from Louis Kennedy. Instead of sending a paper card and a box of chocolates, Louis Kennedy has made a donation to FareShare, the charity distributing food that would otherwise go to waste, and sent Christmas ecards, which contributes to reducing its carbon emissions.

Grant Morgan, CEO said: “We are delighted with this excellent alternative to traditional greetings and from initial feedback it seems our business partners appreciate our decision too.”

Helena Mansell-Stopher, CEO Products of Change, commented: “It was a lovely surprise to receive an ecard from the Louis Kennedy team for Christmas this year, 2020 more than any other year has really highlighted the need to review the amount we buy, receiving the digital card was a nice reminder that though we like to send physical cards, there are different ways to spread Christmas cheer and give to charity at the same time.”

DontSendMeACard.com is a unique alternative to traditional greetings cards. Over 1,000 charities across a broad range of causes and of every size have joined the site. Individuals, companies and organisations can choose which charity to support when sending an ecard for any occasion and the donation made in lieu of a traditional card, goes straight to the charity, with no fees at all.

Charities have enthusiastically designed and uploaded a fabulous variety of cards, including in partnership with licensed characters and official photography, to reflect the cause they champion.

Alex Furness, creator of DontSendMeACard, concluded: “We’re seeing an incredible increase in usage of our system for 2020. When reputable companies like Louis Kennedy get behind the idea like this and give a very generous amount to FareShare, it makes it all possible.”

Moonpig partners with KFC to launch limited edition Christmas cards and merchandise

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Moonpig has reignited a partnership with KFC to launch a limited edition range of Christmas cards in its move to ‘spread chicken and cheer’ for the holiday season. The series of six Christmas cards come complete with festive designs while a portion of sales will go to Comic Relief through the KFC Foundation.

Featuring carol Zingers singing, sleigh bells winging and Colonel Sanders slipping a hot wing under the tree, the launch has been manipulated to ‘sprinkle some much needed joy to this year’s festive season. ‘

“So, why not send a lenticular card with a gravy optical illusion to your gravy lovin’ gran, or a personalised ‘Fillet Navidad’ card to your KFC obsessed mate?” says Moonpig via a press release.

The KFC x Moonpig Christmas card range is available online exclusively at Moonpig. Ten per cent of net sales will go directly to KFC Foundation’s charity partner, Comic Relief and its work to support young people across the UK to fulfil their potential.

“But it’s not just cards we’ve launched this Christmas…” added the company. “We recently announced the launch of our first ever line of merch ahead of the festive season, with a clucking good range of streetwear and Christmas jumpers.”

The new range can be viewed here.

“So, whether it’s a Christmas eve filled with a Family Feast or watching Mother Hen take a snooze after one too many egg-nogs on Boxing Day, KFC & Christmas will always have one thing in common, they’re meant for sharing,” Moonpig concluded.

A birthday party with Richard Cadell and tickets for Lions vs Japan among prizes in The Light Fund’s silent auction

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The Light Fund is looking to bring a little Christmas cheer to the end of a tough year with the launch of a silent auction and prize draw, offering entrants the chance to win ‘some incredible money can’t buy prizes.’

With industry events and get-togethers put on hold throughout 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic, The Light Fund has missed vital opportunities to raise funds for the causes it supports this year. The silent auction is the organisation’s bid to recoup some of those with the help of the industry.

There’s a spectacular array of prizes and auction lots, including the chance to have Sooty and Richard Cadell host a birthday party for a lucky child and five friends, or for author Jonny Duddle to Zoom into a classroom to host a Gigantosaurus live drawing and reading event.

Meanwhile, as and when real life events return, there are some great lots available including a week’s holiday in Cornwall,  a trip for two people to the MTV European music awards (including the after show party), and a pair of  tickets to watch the Lions VS Japan at Murrayfield.

You can view the prizes and auction lots, make your bids, and buy tickets over on the website – www.givergy.uk/TheLightFund. 

The Light Fund raffle is now also selling tickets – £10 each – for the chance to win more prizes, including a £500 online shopping voucher with The Entertainer/Early Learning Centre, or a £500 voucher for Selfridges.

Within three days of launching, the total donations were already up to £4,000, but with the support of the industry and its family and friends, the organisation is looking to raise a lot more.

Bids for the auction will close on 17th December, 2020, and the raffle will also be drawn on the same day.

Anyone who has items they would like to donate as prizes should please contact Anne Bradford AnneB@poeticbrands.com / 07788 585343. New lots and prizes would be very welcome and there is still plenty of time to add them.

Rocket Licensing receives ten Licensing Awards 2020 nominations for Hungry Caterpillar, Rebel Girls and more

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Rocket Licensing is enjoying a run of industry success this year, having found itself with no fewer than ten inclusions in the shortlist for the upcoming Licensing Awards. Nominations in the 2020 awards span its work across licensed product ranges and experiential collaborations for a range of its licensors and licensees.

The slew of nominations follows the company’s recent win at the Licensing International Excellence Awards, where The Very Hungry Caterpillar campaign at the Royal Horticultural Society was named the Best Experiential or Location-based initiative.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar has now been shortlisted for seven awards, including the overall Best Preschool Licensed Property in the Licensing Awards. It has also been recognised for its RHS Summer Partnership in the Best Licensed Promotions Campaign category, its Butterfly Dress-up for George@Asda from Christys By Design is nominated in the Best Licensed Dress-up or Partyware award, and its clothing range from Denicci for Tu at Sainsbury’s is shortlisted in the Best Licensed Preschool Apparel Range category.

Rounding out the property’s nominations, its Gardening Range for the RHS from Robert Frederick is in the Best Licensed Giftware Range, Home Décor, Tableware or Housewares Range.

Meanwhile, Rebel Girls has been named a finalist in the Best Sustainable Licensed Product category, a new slot for the 2020 Licensing Awards. It’s the UK games and puzzles specialist, Gibsons and its Rebel Girls jigsaw range that has caught much of the industry attention and secured its place in the shortlist.

The puzzles, which carry Rebel sirls’ mission to highlight female role models, are printed on 100 per cent recycled puzzle board and FSC paper.

Christmas favourite, The Elf on the Shelf, has landed two spots on the finalist list, as contender for the overall Best Children’s or Tween Licensed Property (Age Group five to 12), and also in the Best Licensed Giftware Range, Home Décor, Tableware or Housewares Range category, for its Food Gifting Range from Kimm & Miller.

The Beano brand has been recognised in the Best Licensed Promotions Campaign category for the Beano Time Travellers! exhibition at Mottisfont, which explored the history of the longest running children’s comic in Britain. Meanwhile, the Horrible Science Kits and Board Game from James Galt & Co are in the running for the Best Licensed Toys or Games Range.

 Rob Wijeratna, joint MD, Rocket Licensing, said: “We’re so pleased that these awards have all been able to go ahead virtually despite all of the current restrictions, so that our industries can come together to support one another during a difficult time, and celebrate excellence in the sector.

“We’re thrilled for our licensors and licensees to have been recognised across such a wide range of categories, and would like to congratulate all the other finalists. Fingers crossed for virtual Rocket Licensing corks popping on the 16th December.”

Penguin Random House owner Bertelsmann sets out to acquire Simon & Schuster for $2.2bn

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Bertelsmann, owner of publishers Penguin Random House, has set out to acquire Simon & Schuster from ViacomCBS for $2.2bn, in a move that would ‘strengthen the company’s global footprint,’ particularly in the US.

Simon & Schuster employs around 1,500 people worldwide and generated revenues of $814 million in 2019.

The acquisition is subject to regulatory approvals and is expected to close sometime next year. Bertelsmann has stated that it is ‘confident’ the acquisition would be approved.

The Bookseller reports that Simon & Schuster will continue to be managed as a separate publishing entity under the Penguin Random House umbrella.

Thomas Rabe, chairman and CEO of Bertelsmann said that the deal to acquire Simon & Schuster will enable the company to expand its global content business, strengthen its digital offering and build dominance in the US.

“Following the full acquisition of Penguin Random House in April this year, this purchase marks another strategic milestone in strengthening our global content businesses, which includes Penguin Random House, the Fremantle TV production business, and the BMG music division,” said Rabe.

“The book business has been part of Bertelsmann’s identity since the founding of C Bertelsmann Verlag more than 185 years ago and has lost none of its appeal to this day. Bertelsmann continues to be one of the world’s leading creative companies with annual investments in content of around €6bn.

“Bertelsmann will finance the acquisition of Simon & Schuster from existing cash resources. External borrowing is not necessary, thanks partly to the overall positive business development since the summer and the already completed sale of various businesses, investments and real-estate properties.”

Markus Dohle, CEO of Penguin Random House, added: “Simon & Schuster is an extremely well-managed and extraordinarily attractive company with world-renowned authors, 2,000 new publications annually, and a catalog of 35,000 titles. We are very proud to welcome this esteemed company, founded in 1924, to our global publishing community.

“We share the same passion for books and reading and will work together to give our authors the greatest possible access to readers worldwide. Penguin Random House empowers its 320 publishers around the world with maximum creative and entrepreneurial freedom and will, of course, extend this to our new colleagues at Simon & Schuster.”

Ian Chapman, UK and international publisher and CEO for Simon & Schuster, said: “The news today comes at the end of a long year for us all and we welcome it with open arms. To become part of the outstanding global company that is Penguin Random House is a truly significant moment for us all. I would like to take the opportunity to thank the staff in the UK, India and Australia for their fortitude and resilience during this uncertain time and our authors and their literary agents who have shown abiding loyalty and trust in us. We look forward to thriving even more vibrantly under new ownership.”

Peter Andre signs up to support Snowman Enterprises’ Winter Windows charity campaign

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Television personality and singer-songwriter, Peter Andre has signed on to support the launch of Snowman Enterprises Ltd’s 2020 winter charity campaign to raise funds for children’s hospices in the UK.

Inspired by the rainbows displayed in support of key workers earlier this year, families and independent retailers are encouraged to create a scene from Raymond Briggs’ timeless picture book, The Snowman in their windows, to share a little magic with their community this winter. 

Peter Andre and his family will be creating their own window display at home to encourage the nation to join the campaign.

Andre said: “Who better than Raymond Briggs’ beloved Snowman to bring families and communities together this winter to create some festive cheer? Not only will The Snowman window scenes sprinkle some much needed magic across the UK, they will raise vital funds for children’s hospices. So you can have fun creating and sharing your Snowman window and know that you’ve made a difference in doing so. Christmas just isn’t Christmas without The Snowman, and this year Christmas most definitely has come early.” 

Snowman Enterprises Ltd has pledged £1 to children’s hospice charities Together For Short Lives and Chestnut Tree House (of which Raymond Briggs is a patron) for every Snowman window scene shared on social media.

Raymond Briggs CBE, author of The Snowman, said: “After a very challenging year, I couldn’t be happier to think that my Snowman is helping to raise the nation’s spirits but more importantly, is raising funds for children’s hospices around the UK. 

“I know how vital these services are and the huge difference they make to the lives of young people and their families.  It would be wonderful to see The Snowman popping up in windows around the UK this winter.”  

Every Wednesday for six weeks a new line art illustration from The Snowman will be made available at https://www.thesnowman.com/winter-windows and shared on The Snowman social media channels.  

These can be printed off and coloured in, or used to inspire Snowman artwork, and added to window scenes. A bumper Snowman prize bundle will be awarded to one lucky winner of a Winter Window scene shared on Facebook or Instagram.

Giraffe Insights: ‘Covid-19 fuels trends to digital kids content, but TV is still king for advert inspiration’

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Covid-19 has been a significant factor in accelerating existing trends towards digitalisation in the children’ market, with over half of all kids across nine European countries now regularly accessing video content online and via on-demand services.

These are the findings of a new study from the UK-based specialist kids, youth, and family research agency, Giraffe Insights, who – to mark World Children’s Day today (Friday, November 20th) – has conducted a ‘ground-breaking international study’ into family viewing, surveying over 3,500 families across nine European markets.

The research has found that children in major European markets, including the UK, Netherlands, Germany, and the Czech Republic, are now more likely to watch a video on demand or online than on live TV.

According to Giraffe Insights, the UK is the closest to a totally digital future with two thirds of kids watching video content via on demand services, such as Netflix, Amazon Prime and Disney + and over half also watching content through online platforms such as YouTube.  This contrasted with the fact that less than half of UK kids said they had watched content live on the TV channel in the week prior to this research being conducted.

In markets such as the Czech Republic, online viewing is booming, with almost two thirds of children viewing online video content. Even in more traditionally linear dominant markets such as Poland and Italy, online videos now make up a significant proportion of their weekly content intake.

However, Giraffe Insights states that ‘it’s not all doom and gloom for non-digital channels’ and that TV is still king for inspiration.

TV adverts and shows are still kids’ top source of inspiration across Europe for Christmas gifts (48 per cent), surpassing YouTube ads and videos (37 per cent), shops (35 per cent), friends (29 per cent) and online searches (24 per cent).

Maxine Fox, managing director at Giraffe Insights, said: “This exciting piece of research comes at a time where brands need to understand and respond to the changing environment and the impact this is having on consumer behaviour across the globe.

“Whilst this study highlights the acceleration in kids digital viewing across Europe, it also acts to remind us that not everything is changing, with live TV still king for inspiration.

“We have been tracking behaviours among kids and parents throughout this period to be able to provide our clients with strategic insights not currently available anywhere else.”

This research was conducted with 3,500 kids and parents across 9 markets – UK, Germany, France, Poland, Italy, Spain, Belgium, Netherlands and Czechia.  For more information about this research and our expertise please contact: maxine.fox@giraffeinsights.co.uk 

Licensing International launches its Accelerator Program to fuel diversity in the licensing industry

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Licensing International has unveiled a new Accelerator Program aimed at bridging the gap between under-represented, diverse entrepreneurs and the resources they need to build their companies within the licensing industry.

The move is the latest in Licensing International’s ongoing efforts to help its members and the broader licensing community build diverse and inclusive workplaces.

The Diversity & Inclusion Accelerator Program was developed by Licensing International’s IDEA Committee (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Accessibility), a group of high-level executives from across the global brand licensing industry working to advance this cause and conversation.

The launch of the Accelerator Program was announced at the latest Diversity & Inclusion Workshop Wednesday, November, 18th which saw executives from Horizon Group USA, Encantos, Marquee Brands and WildBrain discuss challenges and share insights.

Maura Regan, president, Licensing International, said: “We have always been committed to attracting, developing and retaining the best and brightest from all backgrounds to our incredible industry.

“The findings of our study of diversity in the licensing community – conducted by the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media at Mount St. Mary’s University and released back in August – made it clear that there is still much work to be done in this regard, and our Accelerator Program is another important vehicle to continue creating meaningful change.” 

Companies chosen to participate in the Accelerator Program will receive benefits valued at over $100,000 including monthly mentoring meetings with industry leaders, enrollment in the Coursework in Licensing Studies professional certification program and a one-year Licensing International membership.

To be considered companies must be in the brand licensing business, can be either for-profit or non-profit, and all applicants must be diverse (whether along the lines of race, gender, sexual orientation, age or physical attributes).

Applications are being accepted now through April 30, 2021, and the 2021 Accelerator Program Cohort will be announced the week of May 24, 2021. 

To learn more about the Licensing International Diversity & Inclusion Accelerator Program and apply click here.

Results of the first-ever global study of diversity in the licensing business community, conducted by the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media at Mount St. Mary’s University, and the Diversity & Inclusion Toolkit are available to download for free.

The work of Licensing International’s IDEA committee is supported by Champion-level sponsor, NFLPA and Supporter-Level sponsors, Sony Pictures Entertainment and Peanuts Worldwide, a division of WildBrain.

Licensing International launches its Scholarship Program to inspire the generation into the business

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Licensing International has launched its Licensing International Scholarship Program, a new initiative designed to inspire the next generation of talent and advance the understanding of licensing in society.

The programme will grant scholarships to individuals who are interested in a career in brand licensing.

Maura Regan, president, Licensing International, said: “This program is all about investing in the future of our industry and placing the business of brand licensing front and center among young leaders at the start of their career journey.

“So many of us stumble into brand licensing by chance. By introducing our industry to students at the start of their professional life, we hope to create a generation of passionate, skilled professionals who actively pursue careers in licensing.”

The Licensing International Scholarship Program will be funded by donations made to Licensing International’s Foundation. Companies and individuals wishing to contribute can do so in two ways: By making a direct donation in any amount, or leave their legacy with a named / sponsored scholarship.

Named scholarships give donors an opportunity to celebrate their commitment to education and the licensing industry. These special scholarships provide an enduring legacy for individuals, families and organizations to pay tribute to an individual or achievement.

Named / sponsored awards supported by corporations or foundations also offer the right to impose certain criteria that may include, but is not limited to, a declared major, internship availability, year in school, personal background, etc. Named Scholarship: $10,000.

Fund-raising for the Scholarship Fund will formally begin with the upcoming Licensing International Holiday Party, a global, virtual get-together set for December 3. The event is free to attend, but registrants are encouraged to make a small donation to the Scholarship Program if they are able.

Licensing International will begin accepting student applications for scholarships in January 2021. Scholarships will be awarded to students seeking degrees in business, marketing, design, engineering, entrepreneurial studies and other brand licensing industry-related programs, who also meet a number of other eligibility requirements.

Licensing International launches its Scholarship Program to inspire the generation into the business

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Licensing International has launched its Licensing International Scholarship Program, a new initiative designed to inspire the next generation of talent and advance the understanding of licensing in society.

The programme will grant scholarships to individuals who are interested in a career in brand licensing.

Maura Regan, president, Licensing International, said: “This program is all about investing in the future of our industry and placing the business of brand licensing front and center among young leaders at the start of their career journey.

“So many of us stumble into brand licensing by chance. By introducing our industry to students at the start of their professional life, we hope to create a generation of passionate, skilled professionals who actively pursue careers in licensing.”

The Licensing International Scholarship Program will be funded by donations made to Licensing International’s Foundation. Companies and individuals wishing to contribute can do so in two ways: By making a direct donation in any amount, or leave their legacy with a named / sponsored scholarship.

Named scholarships give donors an opportunity to celebrate their commitment to education and the licensing industry. These special scholarships provide an enduring legacy for individuals, families and organizations to pay tribute to an individual or achievement.

Named / sponsored awards supported by corporations or foundations also offer the right to impose certain criteria that may include, but is not limited to, a declared major, internship availability, year in school, personal background, etc. Named Scholarship: $10,000.

Fund-raising for the Scholarship Fund will formally begin with the upcoming Licensing International Holiday Party, a global, virtual get-together set for December 3. The event is free to attend, but registrants are encouraged to make a small donation to the Scholarship Program if they are able.

Licensing International will begin accepting student applications for scholarships in January 2021. Scholarships will be awarded to students seeking degrees in business, marketing, design, engineering, entrepreneurial studies and other brand licensing industry-related programs, who also meet a number of other eligibility requirements.