The Source takes a look at some of the big licensing stories of the year.
2016 has been another stellar year in the UK licensing industry – from big name blockbusters at the cinema transferring their success onto retail shelves, to the launch of the B&LLAs and a storming year for the Licensing Awards and The Light Fund, new properties emerging and newcomers in the retail space.
We highlight some of our most read stories and articles of the year, with today being the turn of March and April.
March
The B&LLAs product finalists revealed – Top brands line up for glory at next month’s Brand & Lifestyle Licensing Awards.
The B&LLAs Property finalists unveiled – nominees revealed in five categories.
Kelvyn Gardner feels the force with new licensee – AC Worldwide has been co-founded by Kelvyn Gardner; will develop consumer electronics lines.
GHM! enters discount retail space – Potential for licensed product as new value chain readies its first store.
Hasbro wows crowds at first UK Showcase – Over 350 retailers and licensees welcomed to The Factory of Wonder to hear plans for 2016 and beyond.
Northern Light Fund event raises £12,000 – Some 200 people packed into Manchester’s Bierkeller to raise funds for industry charity.
Batman v Superman promos step up with meerkat tie in – Comparethemarket.com turns Aleksandr and Sergei into super heroes for new campaign.
LIMA Rising Star joins the UK Licensing Awards – Winner of prestigious accolade will be named at September’s ceremony.
April
The power of celebrity seeding – We take a look at how brands and licensees are harnessing the power of the celebrity.
Licensing Expo switches to May for 2017 – Show will move to May 23-25 following feedback from exhibitors and visitors.
Brand & Lifestyle Licensing Awards: The winners – The winners of the first ever B&LLAs were crowned at a glittering ceremony.
London Marathon success for industry execs – Turner’s Graham Saltmarsh and Global’s Colette Smyth triumph over 26.2 miles.
V&A teams with House of Hackney – Interior and fashion lines for children will feature two new patterns.
BLE confirms management restructure – Jessica Blue will now head up all licensing, including BLE and Licensing Expo.
Moleskine unveils Toy Story limited edition line – New notebook collection features original silkscreen illustrations inspired by brand.
Mothercare launches Smile by Julien Macdonald – Select Licensing worked with fashion designer and retailer on debut collection.
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