Hasbro, Penguin Ventures, Disney, PAW Patrol, Posh Paws and Rainbow Designs among the winners at this week’s big event at the Royal Lancaster London.
A raft of licensing companies and brands were among the winners at the Progressive Preschool Awards 2023 earlier this week (Tuesday 14 November).
An audience of over 400 industry executives from across the retail, nursery, preschool, toy, marketing and licensing arenas headed to the Royal Lancaster London to enjoy a host of entertainment including comedy from Irish comedian and writer Jarlath Regan.
Among the licensing names picking up a prize was Hasbro, which collected the Best Retailer Initiative (sponsored by Penguin Ventures) for its Peppa Loves Jumping in Muddy Puddles campaign with Smyths Toys.
“Winning a Progressive Preschool Award for the Peppa Loves Jumping in Muddy Puddles campaign is an absolute honour, and it’s exciting to be recognised alongside other innovative companies,” commented Cat O’Brien, UK licensing director at Hasbro. “The team at Smyths Toys have been such wonderful partners in creating unique programmes for Peppa Pig, and we can’t wait to see what’s in store next for the Queen of Preschool as we celebrate the beloved brand’s 20th anniversary.
“Through Progressive Preschool’s recognitions, it’s clear that the future of preschool products and retail is looking bright.”
Best Licensed Toy Range (sponsored by BBC Studios) was awarded to Posh Paws for its Gabby’s Dollhouse plush toys, with the company’s Lauren Shipman collecting the accolade.
Meanwhile, Best Preschool Publishing Range (sponsored by Redan Publishing) was collected by the Farshore/HarperCollins and Paramount teams for the PAW Patrol publishing range; and Best Preschool Gift Range (sponsored by Moonbug) was presented to the Rainbow Designs team for its Mickey Mouse Memories Range.
Moving on to The Marketing Award (sponsored by Azaria PR) and the team at Penguin Random House was victorious for the Peter Rabbit: 120 Years of Mischief Campaign.
The licensed winners were rounded out by Disney, which was awarded the What Parents Love award (in conjunction with The Insights Family) for the second year running.
The uplifting grand finale of the afternoon also saw Majen Immink, head of operations at Toy Fair, presented with the Outstanding Achievement Award.
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