Gift Focus - Sep/Oct 2019 (Issue 115)

145 HOT PROPERTY Hot pr operty Catch up with all the latest from the world of licensing RHS AND WAX LYRICAL PRESENT WILDSCENTS – A NEW HOME FRAGRANCE RANGE Wax Lyrical’s new RHS Wildscents range is a collection of floral-inspired candles and reed diffusers that follows the popular homeware trend of incorporating insect and wildlife elements into the home. All Wax Lyrical products are 100 per cent fragranced and made in the heart of the Lake District. Each candle and diffuser, all of which come in a fine china vessel with gold detail, is available in four scents: fresh and floral Water Lily and Bergamot; lush Black Cherry and Rose; warm and refreshing Oriental Orchid and Cedar; and vibrant Sunflower and Amber. Warren Gell, commercial director, Wax Lyrical, says: “The RHS has been a marvellous partner to Wax Lyrical for more than 10 years, and continues to inspire fragrances and product designs that are both unique and popular. We are delighted to be working with the RHS once again on the Wildscents range.” Cathy Snow, RHS licensing manager, says: “Wildscents is another winning fragrance concept brought to vibrant and appealing life by Wax Lyrical in these candles and diffusers. Our partnership with this leading UK manufacturer of home fragrances has always delivered marvellous results and will, I’m sure, continue to do so as it enters its second decade.” For more information visit the website rhs.org.uk BRAND LICENSING EUROPE’S LICENSE THIS! COMPETITION Now in its 11 th year, Brand Licensing Europe’s License This! competition returns for 2019, and entries are being accepted until 29 th August at: exhibit.brandlicensing.eu/ License-This The competition helps entrepreneurial brand owners to break into the $280billion global licensing industry, with past winners including Stuart Cox at I Like Birds and Charlotte Reed from May The Thoughts Be With You going on to enjoy widespread commercial success. This year, Giftware Association chief executive Sarah Ward joins the judging panel. “Licensing is very important to the home and gift world,” she said. “So supporting this competition and the industry is a matter close to my heart. I’m looking forward to seeing all the fabulous brands that enter.” The competition features two award categories: Character & Animation and Brand & Design. Last year’s winners were Oddcats! and Animals! Animals! designer Sarah Burman commented: “Winning BLE’s License This! Brand and Design category was a fantastically exciting experience, and being able to talk about my property and where I envisage its position within the licensing industry was a huge privilege. I was overwhelmed by the positivity and encouragement from the judges, which has been a real boost in helping me pursue my brand extension. I can’t wait to exhibit in October and am very excited to show the brand’s possibilities across a wide range of product categories.” There’s no limit to the number of brands who enter, but six finalists will be chosen at the judging day on 5 th September, 2019, to pitch against one another live at BLE, which takes place between 1 st –3 rd October at ExCeL. The Point.1888 managing director Will Stewart, who is also on the judging panel, believes License This! is a good competition to unearth new talent, adding that, “becoming a finalist is enough to give your brand a real boost. All the entries are properly considered by experts in the industry and the feedback can be invaluable.” Retailer Julia Redman from M&Co added, “At a time when retail is proving to be so tough, newness and innovation are the driving forces behind keeping us all in business. Every retailer needs a point of difference, a reason for the customer to shop, otherwise the only factor we are all competing on is price! License This! is important because it offers the creators and innovators in our industry a platform to show the new to agents, licensees and retailers.” 