London Zoo’s Abbie Taylor on how Brand Licensing Europe can help raise the profile of ZSL, London Zoo, its animals and conservation work, both in the UK and internationally.
Some 40 exhibitors will be taking to the floor for the very first time at Brand Licensing Europe from 24-26 September. LicensingSource.net catches up with just some of them to find out more on their plans and why they see the event as crucial to their brands’ growth.
Today: London Zoo.
London Zoo (B273) was the world’s first scientific zoo and its parent organisation, ZSL (Zoological Society of London), has been a pioneer in scientific research and conservation for almost 200 years.
“With 1.4 million visitors a year, we see firsthand how increasingly passionate UK families are about conservation and the natural world,” says Abbie Taylor, brand licensing manager. “We feel the time is right for our brand in licensing. Consumer interest is leading retailers and licensees towards conservation brands and working with London Zoo is a great way to draw in new consumers – and to send a message to them that you care.”
London Zoo appointed Metrostar as its agent at the end of last year and has already been dipping its toe into licensing waters. A style guide has already been a hit with apparel buyers, with a range with a key high street retailer launching early next year through Fashion UK. A publishing partner is due to be appointed, while numerous deals are in the pipeline related to ZSL’s 200th anniversary.
“Our presence at BLE signifies our ambitions and we’ll use it as a platform to launch into kids’ products across all categories,” Abbie continues. “There are also great opportunities for collaboration in adult categories, particularly in fashion, gifts and homeware.”
A new heritage style guide will launch at BLE, drawing on the zoological library resources and archives. “We envisage this guide translating beautifully across adult product categories, such as fashion, stationery, gifts and homeware, and are excited to share it with our partners,” says Abbie.
The main aim from being at BLE is, first and foremost, “to raise the profile of ZSL, London Zoo, our incredible animals and our conservation work both in the UK and internationally” concludes Abbie. “We also want to create meaningful and lasting relationships with retailers and licensees who truly support and share our vision of a world where wildlife thrives.”
This feature originally appeared in the autumn 2024 edition of Licensing Source Book. To read the full publication, click on this link.
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