Members of the licensing industry all gathered together last night to celebrate this year’s Licensing.biz People Awards.
Taking place at London’s Forge Bar, a raft of gongs were given out to commemorate licensing agents, licensing deals, managers and the buying teams that drive the innovative industry.
On the night, LIMA UK’s Kelvyn Gardner took home the Outstanding Contribution to Licensing award, thanks to his incredible efforts and work within the sector.
Meanwhile Start Licensing was named Licensing Agent of the Year and Merlin Entertainments and Magic Light Pictures took home the Brand Extension and Beyond gong for The Gruffalo theme park experience.
After the awards, guests were treated to a champagne tower to commemorate all of their achievements over the past year.
"My head’s pounding, my eyes are bloodshot and I can barely recognise myself in the mirror…all in all, it was a great night." said Robert Hutchins, editor of Licensing.biz.
"It was fantastic to see the industry come together to celebrate the vibrancy and innovation within it. The People Awards is all about championing the teams, individuals and personalities that make it such a fantastic space.
"It’s very handy, therefore, that you all remain, as ever, absolute diamonds. Thank you to everyone for coming and making this a successful night for the industry."
The complete list of People Awards 2017 winners can be found below:
Retail Buying Team of the Year – Major/Multiple
Retail Buying Team of the Year – Independent/SMB/Specialist
Licensing Agent of the Year
Licensing Solutions Team of the Year
Imagine8 Creative Agency
Brand Extension and Beyond
Merlin Entertainments and Magic Light Pictures – The Gruffalo theme park experience
Licensee Team of the Year
Licensor Team of the Year – Major
Licensor Team of the Year – Small
Penguin Random House
Licensing Deal of the Year
Sanrio and BBC Worldwide – Mr Men x Doctor Who mash up
Manager of the Year
Helena Mansell Stopher – Bulldog Licensing
Rising Star Licensee
Jane Maxey – The Smiley Company
Rising Star Licensor
Stephanie Griggs – The Roald Dahl Literary Estate
Sam Byard – SEGA
Outstanding Contribution to Licensing
Kelvyn Gardner – LIMA UK