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 September and October.
September
The Licensing Awards 2016: The winners – Retail, Product, Property, Marketing and Honorary Achievement winners crowned in glittering ceremony.
View our Licensing Awards 2016 gallery – Check out all the pictures of last night’s Licensing Awards winners.
Larkshead Media opens its doors – Founder Tim Patterson joined by Clare Piggott as director of licensing & merchandising.
eOne rewards Peppa Pig licensees – Partner event also saw Hannah Mungo, head of UK licensing, receiving an emotional send off.
BHS poised for online return this week – Relaunch of iconic British retailer could eventually benefit licensing business.
Toys R Us planning midnight openings for Rogue One – Retailer getting behind launch of new toy line for Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.
Leading retailers head back to House of Commons – Argos, Asda, Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Hot Topic to take part in special LIMA debate.
October
Sony Pictures names EmojiMovie licensing agents – 12 agents confirmed for hotly tipped film including Rocket Licensing in the UK and Eire.
Her Universe brand acquired by Hot Topic – Acquisition will allow further growth such as more licences and European expansion.
Joules underlines its licensing ambitions – British lifestyle brand hires former Ted Baker exec Paul Burden as head of licensing.
Topshop to launch Hello Kitty pop-up – Visitors will be able to get personalised products while they wait for the first time.
View our Brand Licensing Europe picture gallery – Relive last week’s industry showcase with our exclusive picture gallery.
Rovio takes on first new IP for CP business – Angry Birds creator teams with Toonbox to launch Kit^n^Kate into consumer products.
‘Don’t over licence your brand’ say key retailers – LIMA retail panel talks over licensing, knowing your customer and growing influence of Netflix.
‘It’s a great time to be working in licensing’ – We chat to Sambro’s licensing director, Nikki Samuels, about the company’s phenomenal year.
‘We want to grow to a different level’ – We chat to HTI’s global licensing & brand director Alison Downie about the toy company’s plans.
PAW Patrol, My Little Pony shine in latest Tesco TV spot – Licensed brands form part of retailer’s toy push ahead of key Christmas run in.
Wide range of licences star at Argos for Xmas 2016 – Super heroes, Me to You, Coca-Cola, Kellogg’s, Pokémon, PAW Patrol among brands featured.
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