46-47-49-51 Licensee Feedback (SL - Passed).qxp_NEW LSB 2008 GRID 08/01/2026 15:44 Page 1
LICENSEE FEEDBACK
As we enter 2026, LSB asks a selection of licensees how they are looking to make the most of the first quarter of the new year from the upcoming trade shows to new product launches and beyond - and what would be their one wish for the year?
First up
Eda Gumush, commercial manager, Somerbond “As we head into 2026, Q1 is all about sharpening our licensing strategy - from making the most of key trade shows to driving momentum behind our new product launches. We’re also seeing emerging and trend-led IPs reshape how customers buy, and that’s directly influencing the types of licences we pursue and how quickly we respond to new opportunities. My one wish for the year is to build partnerships that are not only creatively exciting but truly future-focused, keeping us ahead of where the market is moving.” Above: Eda Gumush. Below: Ashley Holman.
Ashley Holman, md, ToyTopic “2026 is set to be the biggest and best yet for ToyTopic. The year starts with us exhibiting at Toy Fair, London and for the first time at Nuremberg toy fair which shows our plan for 2026 to grow further in Europe as a priority. We are also launching more new lines from our ever growing portfolio of brands, as well as two new product categories which will be unveiled at the shows, which is very exciting. One wish for the year is a sensible UK budget to prevail and then trading across UK and Europe to stabilise and find some consistency.”
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LICENSING SOURCE BOOK 2026
Above: The Peaky Blinders movie is due in Q1 2026. Left: Dan Grant.
Dan Grant, licensing director, Danilo “2026 will be an exciting year for licensing, with some really big movie launches throughout the year. I’m really looking forward to the Peaky Blinders movie in Q1, followed by a pipeline of family favourites through the summer including Super Mario Bros 2, Toy Story 5, Minions 3 and the PAW Patrol movie. The return of movies from Star Wars with the Mandalorian & Grogu, and Marvel with Avengers: Doomsday and Spider-Man will provide a big lift to these classic movie franchises. The new series of The Traitors launches on our TVs in Q1 and should be another big success for the show that has become a real favourite for so many people now. From a personal perspective, I am really looking forward to the FIFA World Cup in the summer and will be hoping that the England men’s team can finally bring home a winner’s trophy. If Spurs can win something, then surely England can too!”