John McInnerny’s long career in the rights and licensing business honoured with special award.
The Licensing Awards reached a stellar conclusion on Wednesday night (December 16), when John McInnerny was revealed as the recipient of this year’s Honorary Achievement award.
Introducing the award, Jakki Brown, joint md of Max Publishing, which owns and organises The Licensing Awards, said: “In what has been an extraordinary year it is only fitting that our final prestigious award goes to someone who is truly extraordinary – not just in what they have achieved businesswise, but also their calibre as a person. They are one of the most respected, admired and well-liked, actually well-loved individuals in our industry, though they may squirm a little at that ‘love’ bit.
“Like many of us, their’s was not a straight career path into licensing, but they have made it their home for the last three and a half decades, working with leading heritage IP as well as having the confidence and expertise to bring new, innovative brands into the licensing fold. Their business nous, innate people skills, fairmindedness, flair at spotting new opportunities and tenacity to see a good deal come to fruition has resulted in numerous triumphs, not just in the UK, but the world over.”
John established his independent agency – Allsorts Licensing – over 20 years ago, working with companies and brands as wide ranging as King Features, Happy Ink, Flash Gordon, Betty Boop, Popeye, Yoga Cats and Dogs and Andy Capp to name just a few. He announced his semi-retirement from the business in May.
In a specially recorded message for the gathered virtual audience, John commented: “I’d like to thank Ian, Jakki and the team for giving me this award. There have been some great names on the roster who have received this award over the years, and I am delighted to join them.
“I’ve enjoyed the business, I’ve enjoyed meeting all the people, making friends… I’ve enjoyed the travel to trade shows home and abroad… Las Vegas, New York, Frankfurt, Bologna, Hong Kong, Cannes… it’s been endless and it’s been great to see everybody.”
Showing his ever present dry sense of humour, John continued: “I would like to thank all the principles who have entrusted me with their brands. I would like to thank all of those licensees who have taken licences on those brands – some could have been a little bit more generous… there are some licensees who never did a deal with me and I have to say, not pleased at all on that, but we’ll move on…
“The evening itself has been a disappointment frankly. There’s only three of us at Grosvenor House. I don’t know whether ticket sales didn’t go well or quite what’s been going on. Service is poor. I was supposed to be on Simon Foulkes’ table from Rainbow Productions… he couldn’t even be arsed… how rude… Hopefully next year we can get back to something more relevant to the industry.
“So now I would like to wish each and every one of you a very Merry Christmas. I want you to stay safe, stay well and be sensible.”
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