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1 week ago | 
giftsandhome.net | Ian Downes
Among the attendees at last month’s Gift Awards was Start Licensing’s Ian Downes, who turns the spotlight on the six finalists in the Gift of the Year’s Best Branded Gift Product category. “It’s good to see how licensing is playing an increasingly active role in the gift sector.
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2 weeks ago | 
licensingsource.net | Ian Downes
One example was an outlet called Archie’s – I spotted three branches on my travels; it specialises in shakes, burgers and waffles. It has a very specific style and theming – lots of fuchsia pink helps it to stand out. I noticed that it is currently running a collaboration with Ami Charlize, a social media influencer. I’m sure she resonates with Archies’ customers and students in general.
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2 weeks ago | 
pgbuzz.net | Ian Downes
Start Licensing’s Ian Downes spent a productive two days at PG Live last week where he was reminded that greeting cards can be a foundation stone for a licensing programme…Progressive Greetings Live seemingly had a greetings card for every occasion or sentiment except a Well Done On A Successful Trade Show design. PG Live is a well curated and focused trade show celebrating all things greeting cards and some more – there were giftware, calendar and stationery companies in attendance.
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2 weeks ago | 
brandsuntapped.com | Ian Downes
Melissa, to kick is off, can you tell us about your role at Fanattik and what a typical day in the office might be for you? I am responsible for working on the creative team’s overall strategy and overseeing all product range development. I work closely with designers in the Creative team as well as the Sales and Marketing teams to develop all of our gifts and collectibles.
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3 weeks ago | 
licensingsource.net | Ian Downes
At this year’s show it was good to see Fox Under The Moon exhibiting. This brand is a good example of a gift and greetings-led brand that is developing a licensing programme including a recently announced publishing deal. Creator Stacey McNeill has developed a brand that is making in-roads in areas like greeting cards and has been recognised in the Gift of the Year Awards.
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3 weeks ago | 
giftsandhome.net | Ian Downes
Start Licensing’s Ian Downes takes a look at how licensing manages to have an impact in the marketplace in a range of ways on a trip to Dorset. While a significant percentage of the UK licensing industry were in meetings at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, I spent some time at Studland Bay in Dorset.
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1 month ago | 
licensingsource.net | Ian Downes
I spotted a range of RSPB gift products from Half Moon Bay in the Lulworth Cove gift shop. A great example of a well selected range of products in the perfect location. Lulworth Cove and Dorset in general attract a lot of bird watchers. Beyond this, the retail buyer had included some products from the range that featured coastal and sea birds like Puffins. Solid choices for tourists looking for a pick up gift or souvenir.
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1 month ago | 
brandsuntapped.com | Ian Downes
Guys, it’s great to catch up! We’re here to discuss the development of this James Hunt style guide. Tim, before we dive into that, can you tell us more about the James Hunt brand and the partnerships you have in place already? Tim Collins, Director, The Brand Director: James won the 1976 F1 drivers champion after an epic season fighting with Ferrari’s Niki Lauda – this was the depicted in the award-winning Ron Howard movie Rush.
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1 month ago | 
licensingsource.net | Ian Downes
The first licensed range that caught my eye was the English Heritage furniture range which I understand is an exclusive to Barker and Stonehouse. The range was in a dedicated space on the ground floor which was attractively presented. There were three distinct English Heritage furniture collections on sale all inspired by a specific English Heritage property. The properties used in the ranges were Osborne House, Belsay Hall and Down House.
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1 month ago | 
licensingsource.net | Ian Downes
Museum Selection specialises in selling products inspired by museum, gallery and heritage collections. Its range mixes products it buys in from licensees with ones it develops itself. The range is a good cross section of the heritage sector, as it blends products from high profile brands such as V&A with products sourced from more specialised institutions such as the Met Office. Museum Selection’s website declares that it works with 17 different institutions at present.
