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Lottie Dolls signs deal with World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts
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Toy Trust announces pin badge appeal In commemoration of the Toy Trust’s Silver Anniversary, a special edition pin badge has been created, which can be worn or given as tokens to friends and colleagues. From its sale, the Trust aims to raise an additional £15,000 in funds towards children’s related causes in this special 25th year. The pin badge will include special mention of the Toy Trust’s continuing message of Giving the Gift of Play, which underpins the events and fundraising throughout 2017. Individual badges will be on sale during Toy Fair at the main entrance and from the BTHA members’ lounge at a cost of £2.50. Badges will also be available to buy throughout the year. It is hoped that individual companies will help promote the badges. They can order a larger quantity such as 100s, 250s, and 500s, to sell or give to colleagues, customers or suppliers. Administratively, The Toy Trust will charge the full amount for the badges which can then be recouped by selling at a cost of £2.50. Alternatively many companies may consider the cost of badges their own personal pledge towards the cause. If more than 100 badges are ordered, a free customised tray will be included to display them; perfect for reception areas or on front counters at Toy Fair. Stocks can also be replenished throughout the year. The pin badge appeal is a way in which every member of the industry can be involved. In addition to ordering badges to sell or gift, members can also help by donating the time of staff to help sell the badges during the three days at Olympia. Those willing to volunteer should contact Matt@btha.co.uk.
The licensing deal initially covers the UK and Ireland, and the range will be based on a Brownie doll, together with playsets and outfits based on Brownie activities and the age-group. Lottie Dolls is planning to launch a minimum of five products in collaboration with WAGGGS, which can be previewed at London Toy Fair in January 2017. Ian Harkin, managing director and co-founder of Lottie Dolls, said: “The partnership with WAGGGS is a huge honour for our company. The tradition and values they and the Girl Guide and Girl Scout Movement have developed over the years has gained enormous respect from parents and communities all over the world, and rightly so. With Lottie, we want to empower children to be themselves and to demonstrate to them that they can achieve anything they set out to do. This is something the Girl Guide and Girl Scout Movement has been doing for well over 100 years and WAGGGS, as the umbrella organisation, since 1928. This certainly fits with our goal of making Lottie dolls empowering, relatable and age-appropriate.”
Jumini appoints David Williams The wooden pre-school toy manufacturer has announced the appointment of David Williams to its team to develop its national accounts portfolio. Jumini’s managing director, Julian Garner, commented: “David brings a wealth of experience across the whole toy spectrum, having worked for established major companies such as Lego to assist with start-up ventures. His appointment marks another great step forward for us”. “I’m so pleased to be back in the toy business after quite an absence”, added David. “I’d been considering returning for some time, but it had to be the right product offer, when I saw what Julian was doing I knew within five minutes that this was the right thing to do”.
Flyte picks up award at Dad’s Choice Awards 2016 On top of the two awards Flyte has received this year, the brand has added a third to the list, Best Outdoor Toy. “For a brand that launched just over a year ago, I think we’ve achieved great things already,” says Hy Pro’s Simon Pickavance, inventor of Flyte. “We’re all very excited to see what heights Flyte can reach in 2017.” Flyte will have stands at both Nuremberg Toy Fair and New York Toy Fair. Maxi Model Making will also reportedly be making its debut next year.
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