London 18 May 2015: Brand Licensing Europe (BLE) has confirmed the addition of six new retailers to its Retail Mentoring Programme which launches this month.
Asda, Blackpool Pleasure Beach Limited, Claire’s Accessories UK Limited, Lloyds Pharmacy, Matalan and Stanfords join existing participants J Sainsbury PLC, Boots PLC, Lakeland, Blue Inc and Mothercare Group in the six month programme - the only one of its kind in the UK.
Now in its sixth year, the Retail Mentoring Programme is a unique initiative which gives buyers a wider understanding of the licensing business. Nominated retailers take part in workshops and seminars, including the LIMA Licensing Essentials Course and Spring Fling in May in partnership with LIMA UK, culminating at BLE in October. In 2014 over 53 buying professionals took part, a 60% increase on the previous year.
John Carolan, Head of Buying - Childrenswear at Sainsbury’s, who has supported the programme since its launch, said “The Retail Mentoring Programme has been a real help to our buyers in understanding how the licensing world works; but it also gives them an insight into what they need to take forward to be a successful childrenswear buyer.”
Darren Brechin, BLE Event Director, added “We launched the Retail Mentoring Programme back in 2010 to bridge the gap between buying professionals and licensors. Six years on, we are still welcoming new retailers which demonstrates the need for such a unique initiative. Licensing is a multi-billion dollar market with opportunities growing daily, and we’re doing all we can to close that gap.”
Brand Licensing Europe takes place from 13 – 15 October 2015 at London’s Olympia. For more information please visit: www.brandlicensing.eu
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For press information please contact Emma Harris at eharris@advanstar.com or Tel: 07919 408233.
About Brand Licensing Europe
Brand Licensing Europe 2015 (www.brandlicensing.eu) takes place from 13-15 October 2015 at Olympia, London. It is the only pan-European event dedicated to licensing and brand extension. Now in its 17th successful year, Brand Licensing Europe 2014 was the biggest event to date; hosting 306 exhibitors and 7,164 visitors from 69 countries.
About UBM Advanstar (www.advanstar.com) UBM Advanstar, part of UBM Americas, is a US-based event and marketing services business serving the fashion, licensing, life sciences and power sports industries. The company owns and operates a portfolio of 54 tradeshows, 100 conferences, 30 publications, and almost 200 electronic products and websites. Its market-leading brands and a commitment to delivering innovative, quality products and services enable UBM Advanstar to “Connect Our Customers With Theirs.” UBM Advanstar is a UBM plc company.