Gift Focus - Sep/Oct 2019 (Issue 115)

146 Brand extension and strategy agency Licensing Link Europe, which manages licensing in the UK and Ireland for IFL Science, a leading digital science channel, has announced a major UK books and gifting agreement for the property with leading licensed giftware company Half Moon Bay, together with its subsidiary publishing house, Ice House Books. Among the products that this agreement will bring to market, Half Moon Bay will be launching a series of IFL Science-branded gift books for spring/summer and autumn/ winter 2020. The books, like the website, will be light-hearted but underpinned by scientific fact. The company also plans a gifting range that will include ceramics, kitchenware, glassware and bags, all reflecting specific themes, including Chemistry, Space and Save the Planet. Products under development include clipboards, pencils, aprons, oven gloves, water bottles, travel mugs, ceramic mugs, LED lamps and drinking glasses. The range will launch in autumn/winter 2020. All products will include the distinctive IFL Science logo and colourful illustrations, as well as the witty and clever messages that IFL Science has made its own. Gemma Swift, design manager at Half Moon Bay, says: “IFL Science themes and ideas translate perfectly to giftware and gift books. We’re delighted to be working with this funny, clever and original property.” Cornish company Beer Buddies Ltd, a designer and distributor of character wall-mounted bottle openers is preparing for the launch of its third licensed product, part of its ICON range. Synonymous with making cool gifts for men and celebrating popping the top off a beer in style led to striking a deal with Global Merchandising last year and the launch of the iconic Motorhead Snaggletooth Beer Buddy to sit alongside the legendary bands Road Crew pale ale. “The Motorhead logo was perfect for our designer, Seamus Moran, to convert into one of our very special bottle openers,” said Richard House, sales director. “It’s one he’d always wanted to do. It was an instant hit with Motorhead fans and metal music fans in general and rapidly became our bestseller.” This success brought enquires from Rebellion to produce a Judge Dredd Beer Buddy. Happy with the Motorhead project, Global Merchandising brought the concept to the attention of Iron Maiden to turn the band’s Trooper character into a Beer Buddy to compliment its popular Trooper beer. “Maiden went for it, and the prototypes are already being made,” House adds “We really wanted to do Trooper. Like Motorhead, it lends itself perfectly to what we do.” The company is aiming to have the Trooper Beer Buddy available for the last quarter of the year. “We Just need the samples approved and get the artwork for the packaging done,” the company revealed. “We use Elly Jahnz of Foxcub Studio for that; she’s brilliant. The packaging is very important to us for ecological reasons. We only use cardboard – no polystyrene or plastic – so its recyclable.” Beer Buddies are available from thebeerbuddies.com LICENSING LINK EUROPE SIGNS HALF MOON BAY FOR IFL SCIENCE GIFTING LICENSE Beer Buddies, opening bottles in new areas of business This year, Wallace & Gromit celebrate 30 years since they first appeared on our screens, and now Wallace has another invention he can be associated with: Myne Cards. These clever credit card-size devices pop into a wallet or purse and give complete protection over all contactless cards. Whether you live in Wensleydale or travel to the moon, Myne Cards will ensure a sneaky Feathers McGraw character doesn’t get hold of your card details. Myne Cards are specifically designed to block a fraudster’s card reader, so the only time your contactless card is shared is when you want it to be. There are three designs at launch, each presenting Wallace & Gromit from different shorts over their 30 years. “We’re very excited that Wallace & Gromit have joined the team, especially now as they celebrate 30 years,” comments Keith Milburn of Myne Cards. “Wallace himself brings lots of great ideas and a large heritage of designs that help Wallace & Gromit be a perfect fit as a gift in your wallet. Myne Cards continues to grow its range of contactless protection with key licences to ensure there’s a Myne Card for everyone.” Ian Downes of Start Licensing, who brokered the partnership between Aardman and Myne Cards, says, “Wallace & Gromit continue to bring enjoyment and quirky inventions to fans. The images captured on each Myne Card represent the best that the duo can offer.” Wallace & Gromit Myne Cards will be available from July 2019 on Amazon, select travel and boutique gift retailers and are being showcased at Autumn Fair. For more information, contact Keith Milburn on info@mynecards.co.uk WALLACE & GROMIT START A CRACKING PARTNERSHIP WITH MYNE CARDS