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HEAD TO HEAD: FASHION UK & GLOBAL LICENSING
Patrick asks Hannah… What were the reasons for joining Global/Fashion UK? “I’d been watching Fashion UK develop as a business over the years and decided I wanted to be part of that. I could see opportunities would be realised and delivered at this company; I liked the drive and energy of the team’s ambition. It was a very good decision - here I was given the opportunity to work the way I wanted, the way I understood and I’ve really appreciated being given that trust again.” You are working between the London and Leicester offices. What is the difference between the two businesses? “The two businesses work well alongside each other, allowing us to reach a wider retail landscape. All departments have their focus but can lean on other’s experience and knowledge. We come together when that strengthens us and work separately when necessary, too… with a healthy amount of competition!” You are now working with new colleagues whom you have known for many years; what is it like? “It’s really a privilege working with so many people I have known over the years and have great respect for; it makes work fun and gives the team a greater strength. We have a management team who have a shared vision, I have more opportunities, huge support and good guidance from a great group of people with really strong industry expertise, making anything achievable.” What were your goals when you decided to join Gurdev’s team? “Number 1 to enjoy my job and I could see Fashion UK was a good place for that! I felt I had a lot to offer the team as I was bringing with me ten years of experience. My focus was, and still is, to build up the London-based team and drive new business opportunities with key accounts.” What would you say have been your successes since joining FUK/Global? “Where do I start with that! It seems we get a ‘win’ every day. It’s been an excellent six months; I love seeing everyone’s hard work really start to make a difference.” BLE is coming up shortly, are you excited about the show? “Yes, it’s always a great week. We have lots of the retailers joining us for a walk around and we have our own stand which is super exciting. I like designers to join BLE and get the buzz of new releases and up coming properties; we are very design focused so we like design to be fully immersed.” How do you view business going into 2020 and what are your goals for the future? “We want to keep winning, keep expanding keep ahead and be the best out there for the long-term. We have much more to do and we are ready to work hard for it.” LICENSING SOURCE BOOK EUROPE 2018
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