15 SOTN Corp.qxp_NEW LSB 2008 GRID 24/09/2020 08:48 Page 15
STATE OF THE NATION: CORPORATE
Emily Aldridge takes on new Abysse role Popular former GB eye executive, Emily Aldridge has taken on a new role as head of global licensing at Abysse. Emily - who was at GB eye for 13 years, most recently holding the position of head of licensing - will be working closely with the product and sales teams at Abysse to manage the licensing portfolio. She will also be ensuring the company is “front and foremost” for licensors looking for a pan European or global partner within the fast growing ‘geek culture’ sector. Abysse - which has its head office in Rouen, Normandy and ten offices around the globe - specialises in pop culture and fan-focused products including apparel, key rings, drinkware, figurines and in-world replicas to name a few. Above: Emily will be ensuring Abysse is “front and foremost” for licensors. Below right: Smiffys is ready for the next phase in its business with the promotion of Sharon and arrival of Chris. Below: Protecting workers through the pandemic and recovery period is at the forefront for TDP, says Lorraine.
TDP’s ethical approach Apparel specialist TDP is continuing to put a heavy emphasis on sustainability and its ethical approach to business as it heads into Q4 and 2021. The company – which has a number of new products due to launch in Q4 – hasn’t let the pandemic affect its efforts in sustainability. Its office in India is now 100% powered by solar energy and the water used is processed through its own water filtration plant, while TDP’s card point of sale on its own brand product, is now entirely FSC sourced. In addition, disposable packaging is considered from the design stage with an agenda to simply reduce, use recyclable components or consider a recyclable alternative. The office in India has been a vital benefit for TDP with office space of over 14,000 square feet, once the lockdown restrictions were lifted, the team there was able to return to the office quickly with precautionary measures taken and sufficient space for all employees to work safely in a COVID free environment. “Protecting workers throughout the pandemic and the recovery period is at the forefront of TDP’s strategy,” said director of corporate social responsibility, Lorraine Westbury.
“There are many positives to focus on” Licensing Link Europe is looking ahead to Q4 and beyond with major plans for two of its new signings, Above: Monty & Co has got off to a plus the continued growth strong start on CBeebies and iPlayer. of a Kawaii favourite. The agency signed up new preschool property Monty & Co earlier this summer, with the show having started well on both CBeebies and iPlayer since airing in July. A number of categories are already in negotiation, with director Ian Wickham telling LSB that reaction to the show has been “very positive”. The show – scripted by a team of Coronation Street, Brookside and Disney writers – features a family of puppet characters led by Monty the Wallaby, set in a mend, recycle and upcycle shop. Meanwhile, the Molang brand continues to build in the Gen Z space. GIF views now stand at over eight billion on Giphy alone, and seasons five and six of the show have been given the greenlight. Kawaii is also set to come further to the fore thanks to the upcoming focus on the Tokyo Olympics and Japan in 2021. Finally, the development of the Phat Kandi licensing programme is continuing apace. Licensing Link Europe is anticipating strong growth in the UK in 2021, following on from US retailers beginning to engage with the property and interest in key categories.
Smiffys boosts licensing team Major dress-up licensee Smiffys has confirmed some key personnel changes, as Sharon Poulter has been promoted to the role of licensing and marketing manager and Chris Isitt is welcomed onboard as an independent consultant. In her three years as Smiffys’ marketing manager, Sharon worked closely with the licensing team and licensors, developing marketing plans, including promotions and advertising. In her new role, Sharon’s extra responsibilities will extend to the day-to-day management of the licence team and development of the portfolio, supporting Dominique Peckett, director of product and marketing. In addition, Smiffys has engaged Chris Isitt to consult on various aspects of its growing licence portfolio and business for EMEA. Smiffys’ director Elliott Peckett commented: “We are delighted to be working with Chris, who has over 21 years of senior management experience in the costume industry and is universally respected. We look forward to his input in this exciting phase for the business in what is already a different industry landscape.”
LICENSING SOURCE BOOK EUROPE 2020
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