10-11 SOTN Corp_muk.qxp_NEW LSB 2008 GRID 24/09/2020 08:43 Page 11
STATE OF THE NATION: CORPORATE Below: Simon is initially working with cricket, rugby union and football.
New role for Sarah Jester
SGLP opens its doors
Bioworld International has boosted its headcount with the appointment of former Primark executive, Sarah Jester. Sarah has joined the apparel and accessories licensee as key account development manager. She will work alongside both Martyn Harrison, head of sales, and Richard Radford, head of licensing, to manage and develop Above: Sarah is key retail partnerships. “thrilled” to join Sarah brings with her over nine years Bioworld at such a of experience with fast fashion retailer key time. Primark, having held a number of roles within the buying team and most recently as licensing coordinator. Sarah told LSB that she is “thrilled” to have joined Bioworld International at such an exciting time for the business. “With such a wide portfolio of licences and diverse range of product categories, there are huge opportunities for growth and I’m looking forward to working with the amazing team to further strengthen our retail partnerships and drive the business forward,” she said.
Simon Gresswell has officially launched his sports licensing consultancy, SGLP. The consultancy will look to deliver strategic development of new and existing licensing, merchandising, retail, promotions and partners programmes and new business opportunities to national and international sports events, federations, leagues, associations, brands and retailers. Simon – who spent 11 years at IMG where he was vp EMEA and international licensing, working with sports brands such as the R&A and The Open, UEFA Euro 2016 and Royal Ascot among others – is initially working within cricket, rugby union and football. He is also working with selected retailers and initiating specific charity and sport partnerships, including Prostate Cancer UK, to increase awareness and raise funds through ‘a variety of sports events and personalitydriven initiatives’.
Below: The Point.1888 is marking eight months of achievements.
The Point.1888 marks a strong 2020 The Point.1888 is marking eight months of achievements in a special publication with this edition of LSB. With an office move, the recruitment of two new team members – Becky Langer as senior commercial manager and Emma Cox as client marketing manager – and award recognition for both the agency and its head of retail Hannah Stevens, the Point.1888 certainly has cause for celebration. In addition, The Point.1888 has made multiple announcements since the start of the year unveiling eight new clients including Moonbug, The British & Irish Lions, Moomin and Tom Gates. During the height of lockdown, its launch of a new ice cream range with its client Barratt Sweets, flew of the shelves, selling 1.3 million in the first 10 weeks. Buoyed by this success and the launch of a new division, Story.1888, which is the agency’s creative arm, founder, Will Stewart, has further plans for growth: “We’ve just finished our new five-year plan and I can’t wait to see the results it generates for our agency, our clients and our partners.”
Black Lives Matter licensing action grows London Entertainment Inc is continuing to drive the Black Lives Matter movement licensing programme forward. A style guide has been created, with key designs focusing on the BLM fist symbol as well as the central movement message of Black Lives Matter. A marketing plan is also being built which will combine ambassadors, content producers and high fashion producers. When it comes to consumer products, ongoing dialogues are Above: Key designs taking place with key licensees and focus on the industry charity The Light Fund, while will BLM fist symbol. opportunities have been identified at retail with specific categories. Following on from Sephora announcing that 15% of its shelf space will be dedicated to black-owned brands, Saphia Maxamed, founder of London Entertainment Inc has pledged to “follow every opportunity with retailers and help licensees secure listings”. Saphia urged: “We are at the beginning of the programme and we need the industry’s support to move forward. We are putting together a strong foundation that could lead to a real positive change.”
LICENSING SOURCE BOOK EUROPE 2020
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