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London 22^nd March 2017: Brand Licensing Europe has today announced a new host of retailers which have joined its Retail Mentoring Programme. The mentees on this year’s course, which is now CPD accredited, represent numerous retail categories and departments, including buyers, marketers and designers from apparel, gift, toys and leisure.

Stand out additions to the programme include: online retailer Character.com, specialist toy buying group Toymaster; fashion and apparel retailers M&Co; one of the largest supermarket chains in the UK, Morrisons; and the UK’s largest cinema chain ODEON and UCI Cinemas Group.

“This year, we have worked hard to recruit retailers in new categories and in so doing have also seen growth in the number of designers, marketers and merchandisers joining the programme.  It’s the most diverse line-up we’ve seen for a number of years. ”, said Anna Knight, BLE Brand Director.

“We would urge any retailers who are looking to learn more about licensing to sign-up before it’s we reach capacity – which seems imminent.”

Teams from The Entertainer, Blackpool Pleasure Beach, Halfords, Matalan and Sainsbury’s Tu are also confirmed for the 2017 programme.  Head of Licensing at Tesco, Rachel Wakley said “We are delighted to support the retail mentoring initiative.  We have nominated a number of our colleagues to be a part of the programme, as it offers a unique insight into the world of licensing that is impossible to get anywhere else. 

As it is an on-going programme throughout the year, the scheme enables participants to experience many different aspects of our industry, as well as broaden their network and experience.”

For the first time, the retailers who complete the course will receive CPD accreditation which will help to enhance their individual career paths.

“It’s fantastic to have the opportunity to enhance these young professional’s careers and skill sets within licensing. They are after all the future of this industry” said BLE’s Knight.

The Retail Mentoring Programme is still the only scheme of its kind in the UK. Run as part of BLE, which is organised by UBM and sponsored by the International Licensing Industry Merchandisers’ Association (LIMA), the programme is designed to give buying and merchandising professionals a deeper understanding of the licensing industry. Graduates from the 2016 programme include representatives from Marks & Spencer, Halfords, Claire’s Accessories, ASDA, and Mothercare.

The course is worth £499 but it is provided to selected retailers for free by BLE. Visit ubm.brandlicensing.eu/retail-mentoring-programme/ for details about applying to join the programme.  

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Note to editor(s)

About the Retail Mentoring Programme: The Retail Mentoring Programme provides retailers with the tools they need to get the most out of brand licensing deals. The programme is delivered through seminars, workshops, one-to-one consultancy, as well as shadowing licensors in their workplace. The programme culminates in a visit to BLE where the theory is put into practice.  A highlight for delegates is the opportunity to formally judge products for the Licensing Industry Awards.

About Brand Licensing Europe: Now in its 19^th year, BLE 2017 will feature over 300 exhibitors showcasing over 2,500 brands, characters and images. A free educational programme runs alongside the show featuring advice and sector-specific sessions, workshops and panel discussions along with keynotes from industry trailblazers.

Brand Licensing Europe takes place from 10 - 12 October 2017 at London’s Olympia. For more information, please visit: www.brandlicensing.eu

About UBM’s Global Licensing Group (www.licensingexpo.com/global)
The Global Licensing Group at UBM is the global licensing industry’s leading tradeshow organiser and media partner. Its mission is to provide opportunities around the world to bring brands and products together to explore and cement licensing partnerships. The following events and information products are produced for the licensing industry by the Global Licensing Group: Licensing Expo (May 23-25, 2017), Brand Licensing Europe (October 10-12, 2017), Licensing Expo Japan (April 28-30, 2017), Licensing Expo China (July 18-20, 2017), NYC Summit (March 9-10, 2018), License Global magazine, License Global Daily E-news and License TV. 

About UBM plc.
Brand Licensing Europe is organised by UBM plc.  UBM is the largest pure-play B2B Events organiser in the world.  Our 3,750+ people, based in more than 20 countries, serve more than 50 different sectors.  Our deep knowledge and passion for these sectors allow us to create valuable experiences which enable our customers to succeed.  Please visit www.ubm.com for the latest news and information about UBM.